And still they rise: College enrollment of African-American females from low-income communities.
Item
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Title
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And still they rise: College enrollment of African-American females from low-income communities.
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Identifier
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AAI9720114
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identifier
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9720114
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Creator
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Matthews, Eunice.
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Contributor
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Adviser: William Kornblum
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Date
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1997
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies | Education, Higher | Women's Studies
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Abstract
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This is a qualitative study of seven African American women ages 17 to 21, from low income communities around the New York Metropolitan area, all of whom completed high school, and some of whom enrolled in a four year college. The study examined participants' perceptions of relevant aspects of their social world (family, peer group, school environment. and community) as they relate to their ability to take action to enroll in college. Utilizing a comparative case study approach, examining the life histories of these young women, themes were identified which appeared to distinguish those young women who enrolled in college from those young women who did not. Based on these distinctions, conclusions regarding the significance of the themes in relation to college enrollment were developed.;This researcher developed a model, the African American Women's Journey to enrollment (AAWJE), depicting the factors that appear significant in regards to these young women's ability to take action toward college enrollment. The findings of this study point to the pattern of perceptions regarding how they view themselves, how they view themselves in relationships with others, and how they view themselves in the context of their social environment. These perceptions interact in the context of the reciprocal relationship between the individual and their social environment to create a powerful source of motivation which assists them in reaching a risk taking stage. It is when they reach the risk taking stage that they appear able to take action toward enrollment and information about college becomes useful and efforts at encouragement effective. Information and encouragement prior to reaching this stage appears to be of limited impact. However, to complete their journey to enrollment structural opportunities such as financial aid, and liberal admissions policies on the part of college institutions must be in place.;The results of this study may be useful for those interested in college recruitment and retention programs. With the increased significance of education and professional certification, our continued discussion and exploration of this topic becomes critical to the economic and psychological viability of African American women in their endeavor to escape poverty.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
