Journal article
Using Subjective and Objective Social Class Measures in Research, Assessment, and Practice
Journal of student affairs research and practice, Vol.63(1), pp.1-14
01/2026
DOI: 10.1080/19496591.2025.2505847
Abstract
Students' social class is frequently assessed in postsecondary contexts, but studies overwhelmingly use measures that are intended to be objective, such as first-generation status or Pell eligibility. This methodological manuscript answers recent calls for more contextualized assessments by discussing the use of subjective measures of undergraduate students' perceived social class. Drawing upon literature, theory, and relevant data, we argue that subjective measures should be used when possible to complement information from objective social class measures.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Using Subjective and Objective Social Class Measures in Research, Assessment, and Practice
- Creators
- Nicholas A. Bowman - University of IowaShinji Katsumoto - University of Southern MississippiGenia M. Bettencourt - University of MemphisJoseph A. Kitchen - University of Southern CaliforniaLauren N. Irwin - University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of student affairs research and practice, Vol.63(1), pp.1-14
- DOI
- 10.1080/19496591.2025.2505847
- ISSN
- 1949-6591
- eISSN
- 1949-6605
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 14
- Grant note
- Susan T. Buffett Foundation
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 06/05/2025
- Date published
- 01/2026
- Academic Unit
- Educational Policy and Leadership Studies; Center for Social Science Innovation
- Record Identifier
- 9984833491002771
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