Recognising Students who Care for Children while Studying

This is a fascinating book that sets out to explore the puzzle of why students caring for children continue to face difficulties within higher education, despite the increasing commitment of institutions to equality and diversity. Drawing on ethnographic data, it presents a nuanced and theoretically-informed account of the experiences of students with caring responsibilities, and an important critique of widening participation and equality policies. It will be of interest to all those working in the higher education sector who are committed to furthering social justice. -- Professor Rachel Brooks, Professor of Sociology, University of Surrey
Students who care for children exist in a dichotomy, being both ubiquitous within the HE landscape but equally, often side-lined in educational policy and discourse. Samuel Dent’s timely publication refocuses attention on this growing population and invites the reader to explore the highly complex and emotional ‘work’ necessitated by being both student and carer. Drawing on rich narratives from both undergraduate and postgraduate learners, this book foregrounds the ‘lived experience’ of caring for children whilst studying and is essential reading for those passionate about the student experience including researchers, equity practitioners, student support staff and university teachers -- Professor Sarah O’Shea, Director, National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education, Curtin University, Australia
Samuel Dent's monograph is a rare and precious contribution to the study of a much under-researched group: student parents. The book provides a much-needed analysis of how students with parenting responsibilities navigate the 'care-free' academic cultures which have excluded them for too long. The book is likely to appeal to researchers and practitioners concerned with widening participation and equity. -- Marie-Pierre Moreau, Professor of Education, Anglia Ruskin University, UK