Colleges, especially the elite schools, not only serve as citadels of higher learning but also as socializing institutions which pass on cultural advantages from one privileged generation to the next.
"The college's formal curriculum is thought to promote intellectual, ethical, psychological and moral development," says Dr. Daniel B. Lee, assistant professor of sociology at Penn States DuBois Campus. "In addition to these areas of growth, however, students may also acquire social skills and valuable networks that will effectively increase their chances of joining or remaining in the highest social stratum.
"Accumulating cultural capital and making personal contacts may be the most important part of the college curriculum," he adds.
Lee presented his research in the paper, "College Culture as Cultural Capital: Portrait of an Elite College," today (Aug. 7) at the annual American Sociological Association meeting in Chicago.
The paper is a case study of an elite institution, Dartmouth College, and its unique traditions, rituals and symbols that are shared by students, faculty and administrators. Lee taught at Dartmouth two years, during which time he was a participant observer of its culture.
The Penn State researcher draws his data from his field notes, personal interviews with students and alumni, official Dartmouth publications and articles and letters from the campus newspaper, "The Dartmouth."
"Trustees and administrators at many colleges have come to understand that a rich college culture is a marketable commodity," Lee notes. "Most college-bound students, even before they see the ivy-covered walls, are highly motivated, academically disciplined, socially well-rounded and financially secure. As consumers seeking the best product they can afford, they are selective about a school's public image, sense of community and history. "
In the case of Dartmouth, about 10,000 high school seniors apply for admission each year, some paying up to $2,500 for professional admissions consultants. Only about 1,000 are accepted, and many of those come from other countries.
"These students, while high achievers, are keenly interested not only in a college's capacity to educate, but also in its social characteristics and qualities as a symbolic community," Lee says.
College culture -- exemplified at Dartmouth by the Bonfire, Freshman Sweep, Winter Carnival and Green Key Weekend -- helps to build permanent friendships and rewarding social networks, according to Lee.
"The culture of college, particularly in elite private institutions, creates opportunities for students to mature into well-rounded, self-assured individuals who view themselves, even if subconsciously, among the best and the brightest," says Lee.
"Students at Dartmouth and other elite colleges spend four years interacting together and enjoying memorable social experiences both in and out of the classroom. In contrast, students at `cheaper' schools rarely see one another outside of class," Lee notes. "After graduation, members of elite college communities continue to think of themselves as a special kind of group. Alumni keep in touch with one another and take mutual assistance for granted."
College culture in the form of annual celebrations, architecture, rituals, symbols and behavioral norms offers a dramatic background, interesting script and colorful props, Lee notes. "Not surprisingly, it succeeds in keeping students involved with life on campus after their graduation ceremonies are long over."
Dartmouth alumni generously donate money to the college because they believe they are a part of the "Dartmouth" family. Administrators understand this and are willing to invest money to promote the exclusive family image.
"However, the production of college culture is expensive," he says. "When a college spends money on a special ceremony, monument, meeting place or festival, the cost is eventually passed on to its students. Consequently, schools tend to produce collegiate culture to the extent that their students can pay for it."
"On the other hand, tuition at generously endowed private colleges typically costs two or three times more than tuition at public colleges," Lee says. "Students at these schools are willing to accept this cost because the social dividends will be enormous in later years."
EDITORS: Dr. Lee is at 814-375-4826 or at daniellee@psu.edu by email.