Applying Their Capital: Family Motivation and Tension Among Housing-Insecure Undergraduate Students

Authors

• Vanessa Pena, University of Illinois ChicagoFollow
• Susan P. Farruggia, University of Illinois ChicagoFollow
• Nicole A. Perez, University of Illinois ChicagoFollow

Abstract

This study examined how housing-insecure undergraduates draw on community cultural wealth to persist in higher education. Findings show that students’ family relationships were deeply embedded in their educational experiences, functioning as a source of motivation and tension. Campus housing emerged as a critical institutional resource that alleviated financial and emotional burdens for both students and their families. Furthermore, campus housing proved to be a source of relief and an important intervention for both students and their families that led to the activation of familial, navigational, and aspirational capital. The results offer implications for supporting students facing housing insecurity and student affairs practitioners.

Recommended Citation

Pena, Vanessa; Farruggia, Susan P.; and Perez, Nicole A. (2026) "Applying Their Capital: Family Motivation and Tension Among Housing-Insecure Undergraduate Students," Journal of College Access: Vol. 11: Iss. 3, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jca/vol11/iss3/4