This book explores the experiences of working-class women undergraduates at three universities in the North of England. The author examines the women's identities, choices and emotions in relation to higher education; and how they reframe their constrained university choices to maximise their chances of academic success. Highlighting differences in working-class women's learner identities, caring commitments and quests for upwards social mobility, the book offers an understanding of working-class female student journeys and their mixture of compromise, uncertainty and hope. It will be of interest and value to scholars of working-class women students, widening participation, and sociologists of education.

Explores the experiences of working-class women undergraduates Examines their identities, choices and emotions in relation to higher education Offers an understanding of working-class female student journeys

Autorentext

Sam Shields is Lecturer in Education at Newcastle University, UK. Her research interests include social inequalities and higher education, particularly focused on the intersection between gender and social class.

Inhalt
Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Women's university education: history and policy.- Chapter 3. The Study.- Chapter 4. Deciding to go to university.- Chapter 5. Learner identities.- Chapter 6. Balancing Acts.- Chapter 7. Stepping stones.- Chapter 8. Conclusion.