Children's highbrow cultural activities and academic achievement in Hong Kong

Soo Yong Byun, Suet Ling Pong

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using data from the 2000 Program for International Student Assessment, we examined determinants of children's participation in highbrow cultural activities and its relationship with academic achievement in Hong Kong. We found that family socioeconomic status (SES) and home possessions related to high-status culture were important determinants of children's participation in highbrow cultural activities. Yet, we found no significant relationship between children's participation in highbrow cultural activities and academic achievement when controlling for other variables. We highlighted several characteristics of Hong Kong society and its educational system, including the British colonial experience, extreme focus on test preparation, and extensive shadow education, all of which may combine to explain the role of cultural resources in this East Asian society.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch in the Sociology of Education
PublisherEmerald Group Publishing Ltd.
Pages123-148
Number of pages26
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Publication series

NameResearch in the Sociology of Education
Volume19
ISSN (Print)1479-3539

Keywords

  • Academic achievement
  • Cultural capital
  • East Asia
  • Highbrow cultural activities
  • Hong Kong

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