engleski

Student vulnerability amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Europe-wide insights

This proposal draws on both the sociology of disasters and the sociology of higher education in order to explore which factors contribute to student vulnerability amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and how this vulnerability is experienced. More specifically, we examine how students’ assessments of their study progress during lockdown are affected by their financial situation, including the infrastructure required for studying from home ; by the presence or lack of a support network ; and, finally, by the (non)possession of digital skills. This particular focus has been inspired by Bourdieu’s (1986) elaboration of economic, social and cultural capital, as well as other authors working with these terms (e.g. Lareau and Weininger 2003). In our analysis, we reflect on the importance and meanings of these concepts in a lockdown student setting. We also explore how institutional characteristics such as supportive lecturers and organization of lectures, seminars and practical classes relate to students’ positive or negative assessments of their progress in their program of study. Finally, we include on our list of possible explanatory factors positive and negative feelings concerning one’s academic activities, as well as health challenges. Our broader aim is to contribute to research on student vulnerability with a particular focus on what is old and what new in student experiences at times of crisis.

educational outcomes ; Covid-19 pandemic ; vulnerability

nije evidentirano