Avoiding deficit conceptions of low SES students

What is it about?

This paper proposes an alternative to deficit thinking about low SES students at university. Instead of simply promoting the idea that low SES students aren't 'up to scratch' and need help to get there, this article outlines a more respectful way to consider the differences between low SES students and high SES universities.

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Why is it important?

Across the western world, universities have begun to open their doors to a wider range of students than ever before. One group of students who have previously been locked out of university are people from low socioeconomic status backgrounds. As their numbers and proportions grow, it is timely to think about how we welcome them into this previously exclusive world. This paper has challenged and changed the thinking of equity practitioners and teaching staff in universities.