Presented By: Engineering Education Research
Household Functioning and Its Impact Upon Low-Income Engineering Student Sense of Belonging
Justin C. Major / Rowan University
Abstract: The families and households from which engineering students come from, such as those from low-income households, play a central role in their success. However, not all households function the same. Given the existent strains on families (e.g., inequity including racism and sexism), low-income students’ households provide students differential access to physical (e.g., computers), social (e.g., homework help), and emotional resources (e.g., support of mental health). For related reasons, particularly that basic needs missingness creates more dire household situations, low-income students are more likely to be impacted by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). I claim that “household functioning,” including ACEs, can influence how low-income engineering students perceive themselves in relation to engineering, such as through their sense of belonging. A sense of belonging is known to be central to engineering students’ success, more so for low-income students in engineering. In this talk, I will present my thoughts on household functioning and why I think it should be considered an important factor in our discussions of engineering students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. In my discussion, I provide insight into findings from my past and present work related to the topic.
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