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Influence Of Community Ties On Rural Single Mothers' Participation In Community College: A Qualitative Cross Case Study, Melanie Shea Austin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand how resources in the community impact rural single mothers' access, participation, and success in higher education. In particular, this study focused on how rural single mothers' community ties impact their social capital resources and perception of agency and achievement in pursuing higher education. The theoretical framework for this study inclduded a critical feminist social capital theory and utilized a community cultural wealth model, focusing on social capital, to highlight how rural single mothers navigate and develop social capital in rural communities to open up opportunities and provide them with social mobility. Research …