Social Networks and Minority Male College Access: The “Tip of the Iceberg” Phenomena

Using a qualitative approach, we sought to understand the social networks and decision-making strategies of minority males as they choose to attend a postsecondary institution. Data were obtained from interviews where students self-report perceptions of their college transition process. Our findings...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Urban education (Beverly Hills, Calif.) Calif.), 2018-12, Vol.53 (10), p.1210-1237
Main Authors: Elliott, Diane Cárdenas, Brenneman, Meghan W., Carney, Lauren, Robbins, Steve
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Access
Access to Education
African American Students
College Attendance
College Choice
College Students
Decision Making
First Generation College Students
Hispanic American Students
Information Sources
Low Income
Males
Minority Group Students
Parent Influence
Peer Groups
Perceptions
Qualitative research
School Counselors
Social Capital
Social Networks
Student Adjustment
Student Attitudes
Urban Education
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Summary:Using a qualitative approach, we sought to understand the social networks and decision-making strategies of minority males as they choose to attend a postsecondary institution. Data were obtained from interviews where students self-report perceptions of their college transition process. Our findings suggest that students’ social networks are inefficient, disrupted, and fractured resulting in prominent informational gaps that impacted matriculation decisions. We liken students’ knowledge about the transition to college to a tip of an iceberg; that is, participants only developed a surface-level understanding of the college process. We conclude with implications for policy and practice.
ISSN:0042-0859
1552-8340
DOI:10.1177/0042085915613551