Family Influences on the Educational Aspirations of Female Youth in Appalachia

78 Pages·2017·1.07 MB·English

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Theses and Dissertations--Community &
Community & Leadership Development
Leadership Development
2014
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Leah K. Vance
University of Kentucky, [email protected]
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Vance, Leah K., "Family Influences on the Educational Aspirations of Female Youth in Appalachia" (2014).
Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development. 15.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cld_etds/15
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The document mentioned above has been reviewed and accepted by the student’s advisor, on
behalf of the advisory committee, and by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), on behalf of
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Leah K. Vance, Student
Dr. Julie N. Zimmerman, Major Professor
Dr. Rosiland Harris, Director of Graduate Studies
FAMILY INFLUENCES ON THE EDUCATIONAL ASPIRATIONS OF FEMALE YOUTH IN
APPALACHIA

THESIS

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in
Community and Leadership Development in the College of Agriculture, Food and
Environment at the University of Kentucky
Leah K. Vance
Lexington, Kentucky
Director: Dr. Julie N .Zimmerman, Professor of Rural Sociology
Lexington, Kentucky
2014

Copyright© Leah K. Vance 2014
Abstract of Thesis

FAMILY INFLUENCES ON THE EDUCATIONAL ASPIRATIONS OF FEMALE YOUTH IN
APPALACHIA

Family support, both financial and social, can impact the educational aspirations
of youth. Studies have shown gender also plays a role in those educational aspirations.
While there has been some research done on the educational aspirations of youth in
Appalachia, the research on female youth Appalachia is less explored.
This study looks at the educational aspirations of female youth in Appalachia by
surveying a group of young women who belong to the Robinson Scholars at the
University of Kentucky. Participants completed a brief, one time survey answering
questions about the types of social support received and the providers of that support.
Preliminarily data supports the literature; in the absence of financial capital,
social capital may be used to empower young women. The data also supports the idea
that most females are impacted by their mothers’ influence more than other members
of their family or community.
Conclusions and discussions will include a plan for further research, as well as
the implications for educators and students throughout Appalachia.

KEYWORDS: Appalachia, Education, Female youth, Aspirations, Parents

Leah K. Vance
December 17th, 2014
FAMILY INFLUENCES ON THE EDUCATIONAL ASPIRATIONS OF FEMALE YOUTH IN
APPALACHIA
BY
Leah K. Vance

Julie N. Zimmerman
Director of Thesis

Rosalind Harris
Director of Graduate Studies

12/17/2014
Date
Dedicated to my Mom and Dad, Michelle and Jeff Vance.
Acknowledgements
 Mom and Dad: Thank you so much for always being there to encourage me. I
truly could not be where I am today without you. I will never be able to express
my gratitude for all you have done for me.
 Ashley and Andrew: I really could not have asked for better siblings than you.
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
 Uncle A.J.: I am so appreciative for everything you do for me. Words cannot
express how much I appreciate your faith in me. I am so blessed you are such a
big part of my life.
 Dr. Julie Zimmerman: Thank you so much for everything you have done for me.
Thank you for believing in me even when I did not believe in myself. Thank you
for pushing me to be better. I am so thankful to have had your guidance and
support throughout the research process. I could not have done this without
you.
 Dr. Stacy Vincent: Thank you for all of your guidance from my very first day at
UK. Your warm welcome and support helped make my transition to Lexington a
little less painful. I am extremely grateful for everything you have done for me.
 Dr. Ann Kingsolver: I cannot begin to express what an inspiration you are to me. I
am so very thankful for everything you have done for me and for all the help you
have given me throughout my time at UK. It is truly appreciated.
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 Dr. Patricia Dyk: Thank you for inspiring to be a better scholar and person. Your
leadership and dedication is truly remarkable. I say with extreme sincerity that
your course truly changed my life. For that, I will be eternally grateful.

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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………………………………….iii
List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………………………………………vi
List of Figures……………………………………………………………………………………………………….vii
Chapter One: Introduction
Background and Setting……………………………………………………………………………..1
Purpose of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………..2
Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………………….2
Problem Significance………………………………………………………………………………….3
Limitations………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Chapter Two: Literature Review
Families and Education……………………………………………………………………………….5
Gender and Appalachia………………………………………………………………………………11
Chapter Three: Methods
Purpose of Study………………………………………………………………………………………..18
Research Design…………………………………………………………………………………………18
Sample Population………………………………………………………………………………………21
Pre-Testing…………………………………………………………………………………………………22
Institutional Review Board…………………………………………………………………………23
Data Collection…………………………………………………………………………………………..23
Data Analysis………………………………………………………………………………………………23
Chapter Four: Data Analysis
Research Question……………………………………………………………………………………..25
Demographic Information………………………………………………………………………….25
Parental Support………………………………………………………………………………………..27
Family Information…………………………………………………………………………………….32
Family Expectations……………………………………………………………………………………35
Additional Information……………………………………………………………………………….37
Chapter Five: Discussion and Conclusion
Female Youth in Appalachia……………………………………………………………………..39
Parental Educational Attainment vs. Participant Aspirations…………………….40
Parental Support………………………………………………………………………………………..41
Limitations and Suggestions for Further Research…………………………………….42
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………44

Appendix A……………………………………………………………………………………………………………46
References……………………………………………………………………………………………………………64
Vita……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….67

v
List of Tables
Table 4.1 Supports Provided by the Mother and Father……………………………………………….30

vi