Using the Lens of ‘Possible Selves’ to Explore Access to Higher Education: A New Conceptual Model for Practice, Policy, and Research

Abstract

The concept of ‘aspiration-raising’ has been ubiquitous in the discussion of differential rates of participation in higher education in England for many years. Potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds are constructed as setting their sights too low and therefore not considering higher education or ignoring elite universities that they could access. However, it is increasingly understood that aspiration-raising is unable to explain patterns of participation and that it risks ‘blaming the victim’ by failing to appreciate the structural constraints forged through their sociocultural context. The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative lens in the form of ‘possible selves’. This is drawn from the discipline of psychology and aims to explain how we all conceive and develop visions of ourselves in future states. These images create a motivational impetus for actions in the present in order to achieve a like-to-be self—or evade a like-to-avoid self. Notably, the theory takes specific account of the individual’s expectations and the importance of having a clear pathway towards a long-term destination. This paper provides an overview of the foundational theory and empirical evidence for a general readership, before presenting a new conceptual model focused on access to higher education. This is then used to explore the principles that might underpin interventions to support participation from disadvantaged groups within highly stratified systems, as well as suggesting a new policy agenda and priorities for future research.

Challenging discourses of aspiration: The role of expectations and attainment in access to higher education

“…To achieve this, a shift of attention away from aspiration‐raising and towards expectations is needed—this is also likely to influence attainment more directly. A full exposition of the activities this might entail is beyond the scope of this article (Harrison, forthcoming). However, we will briefly outline three broad approaches that are likely to be useful.…”

Academic mobility and financial stability: A case of Erasmus student exchange program

“…Indeed, according to Mathew and Balachandran (2018) education levels are considered to be an important indicator of human and economic development at various levels across the globe. Accordingly, with globalization, and the resultant integration, there has been an increased emphasis on the importance of aligning education systems to the emerging globalization phenomenon (Harrison 2018). Furthermore, Linda et al (2018) stress the importance of the new technologies in higher education that become inevitable due to the wide spread and Internet and social networks that penetrate every sphere of our lives.…”

Grit-ability: Which Grit Characteristics Enable Success for Mothers Entering University?

“…This sense of hope can have a transformative impact that motivates mothers through "improved self-confidence" and "a more positive attitude" towards future opportunities (Johnston et al, 2018, p. 17). Harrison (2018) proposes that hope is an impetus towards developing "possible selves" and motivates engaged participation from disadvantaged groups in higher education (p. 209).…”