Social Selectivity and School Belonging at the FHNW School of Business

Fostering academic excellence, enhancing well-being, and enriching overall educational experience – the dynamic effects of school belonging. However, do all students perceive this sense equally? What are the influencing factors and what measures can be implemented for improvement?

Gehrig, Nadine & Pararajasingam, Medula, 2023

Art der Arbeit Bachelor Thesis
Auftraggebende FHNW School of Business
Betreuende Dozierende Verhoeven, Marcel
Keywords School Belonging, Social Selectivity, Intersectionality
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This bachelor thesis sought to explore the sense of school belonging and social selectivity at the FHNW School of Business. Through an exploratory study involving business students, the research intended to identify potential challenges and explore intersecting factors among gender, social class, and ethnic background. Moreover, the thesis aimed to propose possible measures and recommendations for enhancing school belonging within the FHNW School of Business.
Methods applied in this bachelor thesis were secondary and primary research. For the primary research, a qualitative and explorative study among business students was conducted. 16 interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. A qualitative content analysis of the result was completed using the tool Maxqda. The secondary research included an analysis and summary of literature relevant for the investigation
The findings from primary research emphasise the importance of accounting for intersecting social identities in assessing students' sense of belonging at the FHNW School of Business. These considerations reveal significant differences among social groups, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. This study highlights disparities in higher education where privileged students receive substantial support, while socioeconomically disadvantaged peers face challenges. Students from upper social classes experience more freedom, financial support, and emotional assistance from their families. In contrast, lower-class students contend with familial and cultural obstacles, alongside parental pressure. The parental cultural capital reinforces these inequalities. Gender differences at the School of Business are reflected in hesitantly expressed concerns and self-doubt. Students with migration backgrounds feel disconnected, necessitating inclusivity efforts. To address these issues and foster equitable educational environment, diverse viewpoints must be integrated. Enhancing the communication strategy and expanding event offerings are potential measures that could promote inclusivity.
Studiengang: Business Administration International Management (Bachelor)
Vertraulichkeit: vertraulich
Art der Arbeit
Bachelor Thesis
Auftraggebende
FHNW School of Business, Olten
Autorinnen und Autoren
Gehrig, Nadine & Pararajasingam, Medula
Betreuende Dozierende
Verhoeven, Marcel
Publikationsjahr
2023
Sprache der Arbeit
Englisch
Vertraulichkeit
vertraulich
Studiengang
Business Administration International Management (Bachelor)
Standort Studiengang
Olten
Keywords
School Belonging, Social Selectivity, Intersectionality