Undergraduate Aspirations: A Test of Several Theories
David Drew1972, American Journal of Sociology
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Abstract
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This paper tests the relevance of two sociological theories—relative-deprivation theory and environmental-press theory—on the educational and professional aspirations of college students using a national sample. The study finds strong support for relative-deprivation theory, while the support for environmental-press theory is mixed, suggesting that a comprehensive theoretical model should incorporate both theories simultaneously. The research also emphasizes the importance of including students who may drop out of college, thus adding depth to the understanding of the aspirations related to academic performance.
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