A Meta-Analysis of Pierre Bourdieu's Forms of Capital with the Scholastic and Integrative Achievement Among Second Generation Immigrants

Abstract

This study is a meta-analysis focused on education of the second-generation immigrant population. Using Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital as a framework, I compared and analyzed extant research on the scholastic achievement of children of immigrants to test the relevance of his theory of intergenerational movement as specified in his now famous work, Distinction. The overall goal of this study was to make policy recommendations in light of both the positive findings from previous research and the applicability and relevance of Bourdieu's theories for educational programming for children of immigrants. I discovered family and communal ties are key in supporting a child's academic and social integration. I also found traditional gender roles must be decreased and families should become cultured in the gender roles of their new societies so all members can succeed in their new environments. Ultimately, I realized language is a large determining factor in whether an individual assimilates in to their new society and is able to achieve success in this society.