The maintenance of classism in medical education: “time” as a form of social capital in first-generation and low-income medical students

This study argues that while all forms of capital are necessary for success,time as a specific form keeps classism in place. Using constructivist grounded theory techniques, we interviewed 48 FGLI students to understand where, why and how they allocated their time, and the perceived impact it had on them. Using open coding and constant comparison, we developed an understanding of FGLI students ’ relationship to time and then contextualized it within larger conversations on howtime is conceptualized in a capitalist system that demands time efficiency, and the activities where time is needed in medical school. When students discussedtime, they invoked the concept of ‘time famine;’ having too much to do and not enough time. In attempting to meet medicine’s expectations, they conceptualizedtime as something that was ‘spent’ or ‘given/taken’ as they traversed differentmarketplaces, using theirtime as a form of currency to make up for the social capital expected of them. This study shows that because medical education was designed around the social elite, a strata of individuals who have generational resources,time is a critical aspect separating FGLI students from their peers. This study undergirds the idea thattime is a hidden organizational framework that helps to maintain classism, thus positioning FGLI students at a disadvantage.
Source: Advances in Health Sciences Education - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: research