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Black Women and College The purpose of this paper is to ex

The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing research on the factors associated with African-American women's decision to attend or not to attend college. Examining this research is important because to the extent that social workers have a complete understanding of these factors, they will be in a better position to help these women overcome the barriers to higher education that confront them.

Factors Contributing to College Attendance

Before examining this research, it is first important to understand that college attendance is imperative for minority groups in general an for black women in particular. In this regard, Cole (1988) has stated that education is the most consistent and obtainable means for the empowerment of Black women. Moreover, in a study conducted by the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor (1991), it was found that African-American women with a college education have less unemployment, higher paying jobs, and work in more career-oriented managerial and professionally specialty occupations than African-American women who are not college educated.

Given the foregoing, the key question is: What are the factors that facilitate and/or hinder African-American women's decision to attend college? Weiler (1997) has discussed this issue. In particular, she notes that many African-American adolescents thinking about going to college need extensive support to make this decision. Many, for example, live in economically depressed areas and so need financial help of some sort. Further, high school has often inadequately prepared them for developing and implementing career plans that include higher education.

In addition, young black girls often lack the academic skills and career-related experiences that motivate college attendance. And, they perceive themselves as having only the most narrow of career opportunities. All of these, Weiler (1997) states, combine to pose formidable obstacles not onl...

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Black Women and College The purpose of this paper is to ex. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 06:51, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1709010.html