ISSN:
1573-188X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Nature of Science, Research, Systems of Higher Education, Museum Science
Notes:
Abstract Theoretical constructs derived from the work of Turner (1960) and Hopper (1971) are discussed to clarify how community colleges may contribute to the social reproduction—the perpetuation and legitimation—of inequalities in wealth, power, and status. Data collected on two selective-entry community-college-allied-health-career programs are presented to illustrate the utility of examining the structural effects and ideological bases of educational programs in terms of contest and sponsored modes of social reproduction. Findings indicate that ethnic group inequalities are reinforced in both programs, but in different ways. In one program, nonwhites are discriminated against at the admission stage; but when they are admitted, white and nonwhite students receive equivalent “sponsorship” toward completing the degree. In the other program, nonwhites are not only less likely to be admitted, but among those admitted, nonwhites are more likely to drop out or be eased out before completing the “contest.” The ideologies of implementation and legitimation drawn upon by key gate-keepers to explain each program appear to correspond to the systems of social reproduction evidenced in the respective program's structural effects.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00974863
