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Investigating the Imagination of Possible and ‘Like-to-Avoid’ Selves among Higher Education Students from Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds at a Selective English University

Author

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  • Katherin Barg

    (Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK)

  • Simon Benham-Clarke

    (Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK)

  • Anna Mountford-Zimdars

    (Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK)

Abstract

Access to and participation in higher education (HE) remains unequal, with social background continuing to influence decisions and experiences. In this paper, we undertake a proof-of-concept design to apply the theory of ‘possible selves’, as adapted by Harrison and published in Social Sciences (2018), to university students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. In 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 first-year students, from different socioeconomic backgrounds, currently studying at a selective English university. We applied a deductive analysis based on Harrison’s adaptation of the ‘possible selves’ model originally put forward by Markus and Nurius in the 1980s. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds had a clear drive to ‘avoid’ future selves that would emerge without HE. Across all socioeconomic groups, we found a strong sense of agency, and a strong personal belief in success. Overall, our study shows that the model of possible selves is useful for understanding personalised and individualised student experiences, and the interrelation between social structure (socioeconomic condition) and agency. The model also offers a new way for practitioners to plan interventions for enhancing equity in HE access and participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherin Barg & Simon Benham-Clarke & Anna Mountford-Zimdars, 2020. "Investigating the Imagination of Possible and ‘Like-to-Avoid’ Selves among Higher Education Students from Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds at a Selective English University," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:9:y:2020:i:5:p:67-:d:353123
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Herbert Simon, 2000. "Bounded rationality in social science: Today and tomorrow," Mind & Society: Cognitive Studies in Economics and Social Sciences, Springer;Fondazione Rosselli, vol. 1(1), pages 25-39, March.
    2. Neil Harrison, 2018. "Using the Lens of ‘Possible Selves’ to Explore Access to Higher Education: A New Conceptual Model for Practice, Policy, and Research," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 7(10), pages 1-21, October.
    3. Jake Anders & John Micklewright, 2013. "Teenagers' expectations of applying to university: how do they change?," DoQSS Working Papers 13-13, Quantitative Social Science - UCL Social Research Institute, University College London.
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