Self-Made Men: Widening Participation, Selfhood and First-in-Family Males

This book explores how boys from low-socioeconomic status backgrounds disengage from their education and are severely underrepresented in post-compulsory education. It provides a longitudinal study of young Australian men pursuing higher education, analyzing their acclimatization to new learning environments and changing subjectivities. It draws on sociological theories to make practical recommendations for widening participation initiatives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 255 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the complex issue of boys from low-socioeconomic backgrounds disengaging from their education, leading to significant underrepresentation in post-compulsory education. For those who do attend university, many will be the first in their family, facing unique challenges that hinder their participation in university life and the acquisition of social and cultural capital. Drawing on a longitudinal study of young Australian men pursuing higher education, the book offers a detailed account of socially mobile working-class masculinities. Through in-depth analysis of these young men's experiences, the book explores their adaptation to new learning environments and the transformation of their subjectivities.

The monograph employs a range of sociological theories to analyze empirical data and provide practical recommendations aimed at driving innovation in widening participation initiatives across the globe. This book appeals to scholars with interests in widening participation, transitions, social mobility, and Critical Studies of Men and Masculinities.

The findings presented in this book shed light on the challenges faced by boys from low-socioeconomic backgrounds and provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to their educational disengagement. By understanding these challenges, policymakers, educators, and community organizations can develop targeted strategies to improve access to education and promote equitable opportunities for all students.

Furthermore, the book's exploration of socially mobile working-class masculinities offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of gender, class, and social mobility. It challenges traditional notions of masculinity and highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse masculinities in society. This knowledge can contribute to the development of more inclusive and equitable policies and practices that promote gender equality and social justice.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of education and social sciences. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the issues surrounding boys' education and offers practical recommendations for addressing these challenges. By promoting wider participation and recognizing diverse masculinities, we can create a more inclusive and equitable education system that benefits all students.

Weight: 473g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031079535
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022