The Degree Generation: Higher Education and Social Class

Abstract

This book explores higher education, social class and social mobility from the point of view of those most intimately involved: the undergraduate students. It is based on a project which followed a cohort of young undergraduate students at Bristol's two universities in the UK through from their first year of study for the following three years, when most of them were about to enter the labour market or further study. The students were paired by university, by subject of study and by class background, so that the fortunes of middle-class and working-class students could be compared. Narrative data gathered over three years are located in the context of a hierarchical and stratified higher education system, in order to consider the potential of higher education as a vehicle of social mobility. Jessie Abrahams is a PhD student in the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University, UK. Ann-Marie Bathmaker is Professor of Vocational and Higher Education at the University of Birmingham, UK. Harriet Bradley is Professor of Women's Employment at the University of the West of England, UK and Professor Emerita at Bristol University, UK. Tony Hoare was Director of Research in Widening Participation, University of Bristol, UK, from 2006 till 2015. Nicola Ingram is Lecturer in Education and Social Justice at Lancaster University, UK. Dr Richard Waller is Associate Professor of the Sociology of Education at the University of the West of England, UK. Chapter 1. Introduction: The Degree Generation. Higher Education and Social Class -- Chapter 2. Researching Class and Higher Education -- Chapter 3. Two Universities: One City -- Chapter 4. Getting In -- Chapter 5. Getting On -- Chapter 6. Getting Out -- Chapter 7. Narratives of Class and 'Race' -- Chapter 8. Conclusion.