White Working Class Males in British Higher Education and access to jobs and careers . There were some differences in the general tone between the groups , with the 6th Form students more positive overall .
Perceptions were explored a little further with small group discussions and participants were able to identify a wider range of possible advantages and disadvantages of university as an option . The descriptions of university provided by the respondents have been broadly categorised as follows :
Positive features of university
Access to ( well-paid ) employment You can get top level jobs and more choices in where you want to work . My father has a good job in a garage and earns more than his manager but he cannot progress because he doesn ’ t have a degree . Earn more when you leave . You get more qualifications and then get the job you want . A degree which leads to a better future . Higher social status Stature . That you ’ re able to get a better job and be looked up to , some social standing . If you go to university , people look at you better .
Improvements to quality of life It ’ s about helping you get the job that you want and a better life . University sets you up for life .
Friendships It ’ s also the chance to make new friends , different people and getting more opportunities . It ’ ll be good – meeting new people , doing new things will make you more confident . Have fun , meet new people . Opportunity to learn / further interests It will be hard work but worth it . Learning something you enjoy . Working in a positive challenging environment – feeling passionate about it .
Negative features of university
Costs / debt Poor people can ’ t go . If you ’ re poor , it will be difficult . Paying all that money and not enjoying it . It costs too much ; I ’ ve seen it on the news about the costs .
Long term commitment It ’ s a lot time to dedicate to one thing and you might be stuck in that profession . It ’ s a lot of commitment and time – do I want to do it ? It ’ s hard to get into , is more pressure than college and will take years for me to do what I want . Then will I get a job ? You have to plan so far ahead and put in all that time , the years and then it could be years wasted . Separation from home and family I wouldn ’ t want to move away . My mum is a single parent and I wouldn ’ t want to leave her . However much your family annoy you and even if you ’ re going to the pub lots , you will miss your mum and mucking around with your little brother . I think it will be lonely . Spending too much time away from family and friends ; you have to stay away from them – you ’ re going to miss them . Requires confidence I find it hard speaking up in a group and doing presentations ; it ’ ll be hard . Having to meet new people puts me off .
Academic & personal pressures All the emotions – stress and anxiety – workload , exams and pressure to succeed . It ’ s the pressure - now at college you don ’ t know if you ’ ll get the grades , then at university will you enjoy the course and keep up , and then having to look after yourself , budget , cook and clean . It ’ s dealing with it all . The stress .
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