Cultural Capital Theory and predicting Parental Involvement in

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Published: Jan 1, 2009

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Matthew Ringenberg
Valparaiso University
Erin McElwee
Catholic Charities West Michigan
Kendre srael
Washington University, St Louis

Abstract

Cultural capital theory, developed by Bourdieu, and applied to elementary schools by Lee and Bowens, provides a theory for predicting how parents are involved in children’s elementary education. Specifically it predicts that parents with greater cultural capital will be more involved, and that involvement will be more efficacious in helping their children succeed.  This study uses Epstein’s six-construct configuration of parental involvement and Ringenberg’s Parent And School Survey as the framework and instrument for understanding and measuring parental involvement. Cultural capital theory explained parental involvement moderately well. Parenting, a type of parental involvement, was the strongest predictor of academic understanding.

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Issue
Vol. 3 (2009)
Section
Scholarly and Creative Works
On acceptance of work, the authors agree that the exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute the article have been given to The South Shore Journal. Materials published in The South Shoure Journal remain the property of their authors.

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