Working-class girls in a foreign land. Social class and settling into university in a cross-current between two cultures

Abstract

In Finland, the financial status of a family does not in general place any restrictions on a person's studies. However, in spite of equality of opportunity, class as a cultural and social issue is a significant factor guiding the education of young people. In the article, I analyse women with a working-class background studying at university, starting with experiences of class as it is lived. The data for the study have been generated using the memory work method. The analysis shows how class is manifested in the women's experiences as a sense of themselves as outsiders, being alone or ‘on their own’ and as feelings of inadequacy. The women are forced to find ways of doing things that suit them and to construct a space in which they can feel safe.

Keywords:

• class
• gender
• university
• education
• family background
• memory work

Notes

1. Of the 13 women included in study, three were born in the 1960s, five in the 1970s and five in the 1980s.

2. Class as an economic and social question has been a central factor restricting study opportunities in Finland particularly before the 1960–1970s. Measures to avoid placing young people from different family backgrounds into differing positions regarding educational opportunities have included comprehensive school where students are not divided according to achievement at an early stage; education that is virtually free of charge; regional coverage of educational opportunities and various social benefits related to education.