Keys That Jingle and Fold: Federal Student Aid and the Expansion of Educational Opportunity for Black Women |
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Authors: | Deondra Rose |
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Institution: | Duke University, Durham, North Carolina |
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Abstract: | Since the mid-20th century, the United States has seen a dramatic increase in Black women’s educational attainment. Given Black women’s status as “double minorities” and their disproportionate representation among low-income Americans, this trend has important implications for equal opportunity in the United States. While scholars recognize higher education as a central determinant of socioeconomic well-being and political engagement, we have yet to consider the role that federal higher education policies have played in expanding Black women’s access to college degrees. This article examines the extent to which student aid programs have supported Black women’s educational pursuits and influenced their educational attainment. I find that financial aid usage is associated with greater educational attainment and is perceived by Black women as significantly expanding educational opportunity. |
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Keywords: | Higher education policy educational attainment financial aid gender women race African Americans |
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