First-Generation College Students’ Intergenerational Narratives of Redemption and Upward Mobility

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Objective. This study explored the role of intergenerational narratives in the motivations and goals of first-generation college students. Design. Reflexive thematic analysis examined narrative responses to open-ended questions regarding their motivations and goals for college enrollment. Results. Analyses generated a central theme: breaking the family cycle of poverty to achieve upward mobility. This theme included three subthemes: attaining financial stability, obtaining a higher level of education than their family, and challenging oppressive university and societal systems for a better future. The participants often approached their intergenerational narratives in two distinct ways: “self-initiated” and “parent-initiated.” In parent-initiated narratives, participants centered their parents in their intergenerational stories. They stated that their parents’ stories inspired them to attend college, break the cycle of poverty, and avoid the hardships their parents experienced. Conversely, in self-initiated narratives, participants centered themselves in the intergenerational stories. They expressed their aspirations to break the family cycle of poverty and avoid the challenges they and their families faced while growing up. Conclusions. These findings underscore how first-generation college students’ intergenerational redemption narratives shape their motivations for pursuing higher education and life goals.