Working-class girls in a foreign land. Social class and settling into university in a cross-current between two cultures

Abstract

In Finland, the financial status of a family does not in general place any restrictions on a person's studies. However, in spite of equality of opportunity, class as a cultural and social issue is a significant factor guiding the education of young people. In the article, I analyse women with a working-class background studying at university, starting with experiences of class as it is lived. The data for the study have been generated using the memory work method. The analysis shows how class is manifested in the women's experiences as a sense of themselves as outsiders, being alone or ‘on their own’ and as feelings of inadequacy. The women are forced to find ways of doing things that suit them and to construct a space in which they can feel safe.