Vocational students' economic status and prestige following training at a rural community college on the Mexican border: A field study informed by critical theory of the state

Abstract

This study identifies overt mechanisms by which working class students at a rural community college were aligned with entry level service employment following the AAS degree. It examines socio economic and state constraints upon the college, its vocational faculty and students. These models explain the state structuring process on social institutions: Brint and Karabel's political niche, Carnoy and Levin's dominant class ideology, and O'Connor's value theory of crisis during late capitalism. The literature review looks at critical sociology, including the reproduction school as well as vocational education literature on the community college. The data were structured interviews with 74 students and four faculty. Classrooms were also observed. A critical theory of the state provided the interpretative frame for analysis. Recommendations for greater student choice to provide for increased equity and equality are offered in conclusion.