Research Blog #2:

I have decided to center my research on the effects of being a college student from a lower-class or being first generation. It is something that relates to me. I feel that when you do not really come from much, people are often pushed to focus achieving academic success above all other things. Often, as first generation or poorer students, we are told that only way we can make it in and post college is with brains. I want to emphasize how the lack of socialization can hinder post-graduation and academics.


I found a film centered on what discrimination does to students. Social class division might not be a direct and brutal form of discrimination but it is discrimination among the classes nonetheless. The film is called "Frontline: A Class Divided."



http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdfplus/3838816.pdf?acceptTC=true&jpdConfirm=true
http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdfplus/2112665.pdf?&acceptTC=true&jpdConfirm=true

I learned that socialization is important but harder for first generation college students to do. It is not because they are not sociable but because they have very little to share. Therefore it is important to create a sense of community that appeals to their interests and backgrounds. I also came to the realization that the EOF program at universities like Rutgers gives these students a sense of belonging and community. In a way they are no longer aloof. However class differences creates an invisible boundary among students and grades for kids without a support system tend to be bad.