How Students’ Science Capital Influences their Career Aspiration in Western China

doi:10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2020.07.010

Abstract

Abstract: The concept of science capital is derived from technological capital on basis of Bourdieu’s cultural reproduction theory. It was first introduced into education in China. In this paper, we try to explore the mechanism of how science capital influences ninth grade students’ science career aspiration, using the monitoring data of education quality from 107 middle schools in western China. The results show that students with high level of science capital are more likely to choose science career than those with middle or low level. In terms of their career aspiration, the former are more influenced by family cultural capital (be determined) while the latter are more influenced by their own educational expectation (self-selection). In addition, there are significant group differences in science career aspiration. Students with high level of science capital are more influenced by self-science attitude and science confidence. In conclusion, it’s suggested that we should increase science capital of middle school students to help cultivate high-quality talents of science and technology innovation.

Key words: science capital, science career aspiration, resource allocation, cultivation of science and technology talents

Li Ling, Zhu Haixue, Pan Shimei. How Students’ Science Capital Influences their Career Aspiration in Western China[J]. Journal of East China Normal University(Educational Sciences), 2020, 38(7): 117-126.

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