Key Concepts of Cultural Capital
Cultural capital refers to the social assets and resources that have value in a given culture in relation to status and power (Yosso, 2005). Seen as a "communal fund of knowledge" (Yosso, 2005, p. 76), culture provides a comfort to students as well as an opportunity to share experiences. For Mexican-American students, cultural capital refers to many different forms: Aspirational, Linguistic, Familial, Social, Resilience. Within each form of social capital, Mexican-American students face barriers that keep them from achieving their goals. As student affairs practitioners, its important to be aware of the assets Mexican-American students bring and how those assets be shared with others.
Resilience
Bilingualism
- The ability to maintain familial beliefs and values, even in the face of barriers. Mexican American college students have close relationships with their family and family values play a large role in their lives. Maintaining those values while transitioning into a new environment may be difficult.
- The ability to allow themselves to dream of possibilities beyond their circumstances. As first-generation students, having educational aspirations beyond what their parents have experienced.
- The ability to create a future that bridges the gap between their current status and the the status they aspire to hold.
Bilingualism
- Offers exposure to different cultures and builds bridges between them. Bilingual students offer cultural exposure to other students.
- Two languages build communications kills that can be developed by using both languages. Mexican-American students who can communicate in both Spanish and English are more likely to have better communication skills than students who speak only one language.
- Speaking more than one language also offers Mexican-American students a refuge from a culture than has discriminated against them in society. Finding others who also speak their native language may allow students build a new community while they are away from their family.
Family
- Refers to the sense of family history, memory, and cultural knowledge. While being nurtured by family, Mexican-American students feel a sense of commitment to their families' well-being.
- Lessons of caring, coping, providing, education, religion, community, and family are learned from participating in a familial system.
- Peer and social contacts that can provide emotional and instrumental support for students. Support systems are vital for the success of all students. For first-generation students, support systems are very important as they are transitioning into a new environment.
- Networking can expand students connections with peers, professionals, and community members. Networking is a vital part of success for any student. As Mexican-American students navigate their new environment, relationships will be built for support on every level.
References
Yosso, T.J. (2005). Whose culture has capital? A critical race theory discussion of community cultural wealth. Race, Ethnicity, & Education. 8(1). p.69-91.