A capability approach to participatory research platforms for young black women in South African higher education

A Case of Capability Expansion or Capability Reduction? An Exploration of Loan Recipients’ Views of ICETEX: Colombia’s Higher Education Student Loans Institute

“…Mariana's comment summarizes how ICETEX has thwarted this capability: "I sacrificed my mental health because I took out a loan which is difficult to pay that I will pay for almost my entire life." This comment corroborates findings by Calitz (2018), who identifies psychological well-being as a structural barrier to university students' ability to participate in HE. Calitz explains that the potential negative role of mental health as a conversion factor is compounded by the poor health system in South Africa, and the same is true in Colombia, where unsympathetic attitudes to psychological problems can further impact individuals' capabilities.…”

“…In the literature analysis that informed the development of her list, however, the author fails to include research from the Latin American context, even though the characteristics of HE in this region bear many similarities with the South African context. More recently, Talita Calitz (2018) has explored how young Black women in South Africa use their agency to tackle unjust social arrangements. She identifies severe material disadvantage and low socioeconomic standing as key obstacles to equal participation.…”

“…Families' economic circumstances also led to several participants working during their studies. As Calitz (2018) shows, devoting extra resources to obtaining additional funds can adversely impact students' participation.…”