Bourdieu states that cultural capital, non-financial assets that promote social mobility beyond economic means, i.e. the ability to understand and use ‘educated’ language, physical appearance, level of intellect, family background, educated parents, social standing, etc, has an influence on educational outcomes. My understanding is he outlines social classes and the relevance of successful outcomes to their education. Bourdieu has suggested that even though some ‘lower-class’ or less advantages students achieve an element of success in education, their degree of academic success may not be enough.
…application becomes pedantry and a respect for hard work grinding, limited pettiness, with the implication that it is intended to compensate for lack of natural talents.” (Bourdieu, 1974, p. 59)
I fear the refugees, regardless of their educational prowess, will struggle to reach the ‘top’ jobs and be accepted in our society. This is an unfortunate history of the embedded, stoical aristocracy, of social classes and the belief that if you come from a ‘rich’ cultural capital, you are somehow superior. I hope the influx of refugees will change people’s opinions and change society as a whole.
My FLS, of the inhabitants of the Calais camps, would acknowledge the educational success of the refugees and build upon their success through continued access to relevant education. For example, if they had a doctorate in any particular subject they would need a program of study which might incorporate subject specific vocabulary and cultural knowledge. This would build of their present knowledge and give relevance to another countries culture and environment, enabling their skills and achievements useful.
Progress through Participation 