The Role of Agency in Higher Education: Acquiring Academic Capital

Abstract

Indigenous higher degree by research (HDR) students navigating higher education institutions continue to face additional challenges that are not associated with the research degree they are pursuing. Racism continues to be identified as a barrier present in academic settings and society. The impact of racism may affect an individual’s agency and their ability to acquire academic capital. Both agency and academic capital may also influence how an individual is supported throughout their candidature and ultimately become a factor in the success of the HDR student’s research degree. In this chapter, we discuss the role of agency and academic capital among Indigenous HDR students and then connect our findings to how Indigenous HDR students (n = 99) report that agency and/or how academic capital has influenced their experience in higher education. This chapter is also informed by insights from supervisors of Indigenous HDR students (n = 33).