“This Is Your Worth”: Is the Catholic School Advantage in Urban Catholic Schools’ College Culture Disappearing in a Neoliberal Era?

Abstract

This ethnographic study of an urban Catholic high school examines its college culture, particular in regard to the Catholic School Advantage (CSA). We collected and critically analyzed multiple forms of data (archival, interviews, observations) at St. Peters High School (SPH) and its adjoining parish. We found a caring and holistic approach to teaching that is integral to the CSA. However, in regard to the college-going habitus, we found that neoliberal values had largely displaced earlier Catholic social values that related to the CSA. Thus, the college-going habitus was dominated by neoliberal economic values (including the worth of individual students and SPH) but largely silent about the social, academic, or spiritual values of students or institutions of higher education. We conclude that such a college-going habitus is likely not only to result in students’ high rate of college enrollment but also to jeopardize their ability to remain enrolled until they graduate.