White Working Class Males in British Higher Education
7 . Implications and recommendations
To summarise , the primary findings of the pre-entry data include :
• Data suggests the choices being made by white working class males in Southampton at age 16 make their progression to HE less likely – they are more likely to be NEET and more likely to be in FE or work based provision .
• White working class males engaged by the study generally hold positive attitudes to learning and are happy to be viewed as hardworking . Some may not be fully engaged in their current learning but most are positive about future opportunities .
• Males from low HE participation areas appear less motivated by financial rewards than their peers from areas with higher HE progression rates , and more motivated by finding a career that suits their interests and skills .
• Males from low HE participation areas were less convinced in terms of their interest in HE at the pre-16 stage of education .
• They were also less likely to say that they would enjoy being a university student and that university is necessary for the career they have in mind . They were much less likely to view HE as affordable and post-16 learners were concerned about their ability to get in and fit in . Overall , HE is perceived as a risky strategy .
• Alternatives to HE , including progression to apprenticeships , were frequently viewed as a ‘ better ’ option by vocational learners , although this may well reflect the increased understanding they had about this route compared to HE .
• The majority of learners in the sample felt relatively supported by their parents , although many ( particularly those in post 16 education ) report that parental opinion is of no or little importance .
• The general consensus amongst the FE learners was that they had received limited information or encouragement regarding progression towards .
• Learners were interested in experiencing HE and talking to individuals who could help them find out more , including employers and students .
• Barriers to HE for white working class males in Southampton include – lower levels of attainment , different patterns of post-16 progression , levels of risk in choosing HE as an option , negative perceptions of HE and variable access to advice and support .
The primary findings of the post-entry data include :
• Higher education is viewed as a risk that may not be worth taking , especially as this group expressed aversion to taking on student debt .
• Findings show that white , working class men are making decisions about whether or not to pursue university much later than their peers .
• The data shows that this group is more aspirational than their peers , which supports the conclusions of other scholars but contradicts popular discourses suggesting they are not aspirational .
• The research participants expressed their career aspirations along a spectrum of certainty , which may provide insight into recruitment and outreach strategies .
• This group is worried about transitioning into higher education and whether or not they will feel like they belong .
This report concludes with the implications of the research findings and suggested recommendations , divided into seven subheadings as follows : Targeting white , working class males ; Challenging ‘ low-aspiration ’ discourses ; Risk and decision-making ; Supporting attainment ; Supporting transitions ; Outreach and age ; and Personalised / tailored outreach .
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