The Influence of Cultural Capital on Students' Perceptions and Experiences of Hidden Curriculum

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions and experiences of ninth-grade students concerning the hidden curriculum at a science high school in Ankara, focusing on how cultural capital influences its manifestation. A qualitative case study was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews and observations. Throughout a 20-week period, 34 interviews were conducted with 17 purposively selected participants, one at the beginning and one at the end of the study, complemented by 10 days of observation over biweekly school visits. The collected data underwent content analysis, involving thorough reading, coding, and theme identification. The findings highlight that the cultural capital of students shaped their experiences and perceptions of the hidden curriculum, influencing their access to and use of social and material resources at school. Notably, students viewed their school primarily as a preparatory ground for exams rather than an institution aligned with the broader educational goals for science high schools. Additionally, the study observed differences in the experiences of boarder and extern students. The findings suggest that educators need to develop inclusive strategies that recognize and integrate students' varying cultural capital to foster a more emancipatory educational environment. Additionally, the study highlights the need for boarding schools to establish a participatory culture for extern students.