Abstract

DIAS, Diana  and  SA, Maria José. The family social-cultural status as vector of career decision: Promises, illusions and disillusions in higher education access. Rev. bras. orientac. prof [online]. 2014, vol.15, n.1, pp. 51-64. ISSN 1679-3390.

Family has an undeniable influence upon the career construction of college students, since it is a primary source of their socialization. This article presents a qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with students, aimed at understanding the relationship between family social-cultural status and academic choice and the perceived meaning in the family of the enrolment of one of their members in college. Making a clear choice for a qualitative methodology, the sample of this study is composed of 30 students enrolled in higher education for more than six months in one of the most prestigious Portuguese universities. Results show that college students came mainly from economic, cultural and social upper classes. It was a "logical path", for those who would inherit, in adulthood, not only the economic capital, but also the relational capital. The educational and economic resources of the students' families are key factors in college enrollment.

Keywords : higher education; social mobility; college students; family of origin; vocational choice.

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