Funds of Knowledge and Major Choice Among Low-Income and Working-Class Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore how students’ prior knowledge, skills, experiences, and networks (including family and community) influence major choice decisions among low-income and working-class students at Arizona’s three state universities. Using a funds of knowledge framework, a survey was distributed to students at the three universities through a non-probability sample. In total, 164 valid responses were collected. Exploratory factor analysis and logistic regression analysis were used as methods to respond to the two research questions. The results from the exploratory factor analysis identified seven salient funds of knowledge while results from the logistic regression suggested four of the funds as predictors of major choice among the respondents. More specifically, the findings demonstrated increased odds of being a Technical, Science, or Business (TSB) major given increases in the salient fund, Helping Household Knowledge, suggesting a positive relationship. However, the odds of being a TSB major decreased while the salient fund, Political Engagement, increased, indicating a negative relationship. Among students in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education (SHE) majors, students’ odds of being a SHE major increased as salient funds, Connecting Past Experiences and Political Engagement, also increased, suggesting a positive relationship, while students’ odds in the majors decreased as Family Guidance increased, indicating a negative relationship. These findings are discussed in further detail throughout the Discussion chapter. Implications of results are shared for university administrators, employment recruiters, as well as the funds of knowledge community. Key implications suggest inviting in family members to learn about career options given any major choice decision and engaging students’ funds of knowledge in more meaningful ways through course curriculum to support learning and sense of belonging within a academic and career field.