Feeling the weight of the water: a longitudinal study of how capital and identity shape young people’s computer science trajectories over time, age 10–21

Abstract

Background and Context There is a call for more young people to continue into higher education computer science (CS). Objective To understand young people’s choices into and away from CS, by addressing the inequalities their trajectories as shaped over time and in relation to their capital and identities. Method Ninety-four longitudinal interviews were conducted with nine young people and their parents from age 10/11 to age 21/22, analysed through the lens of identity and capital. Findings CS-related capital facilitated “smooth” transitions into CS-degrees, with family capital being salient in the choice-process, and out-of-school experiences for navigating CS-courses. Other young people faced disjunctures between their capital, identity and the field of CS education, feeling “the weight of the water”, experiencing study challenges and being at risk of withdrawing. Finally, a group of young people were “navigating a different waterway”, reflecting a greater fit with a different field. Implications We call for actions to broadening what counts as CS.