In this information era, youth are often labelled “digital natives” due to early immersion in digital media. Bourdieu’s concept of capital is extended to the digital realm for explaining these differences among youth. This qualitative study utilizes semi-structured interviews to explores how tertiary education impact the digital capital between youth with and without tertiary education from rural areas in Guangzhou, China. Findings indicate that: (1) the curricular and task demands in tertiary education promote computer-based Internet use, creating the digital access inequality with youth not attending tertiary education, and consequently limiting their digital capabilities; (2) institutionalized and systematic digital training in tertiary education enhances digital competence, facilitating the conversion of digital capital into offline benefits; (3) youth without tertiary education lack confidence in digital competence, and prioritize entertainment-oriented use, therefore struggle to accumulate and convert digital capital. Given the absence and backwardness of digital training in primary and secondary education in rural China, this study demonstrates the institutionalized digital training in tertiary education as a crucial compensatory pathway for disadvantaged youth to accumulate digital capital. In addition, this study enriches the understanding of digital capital and reveals how inequalities in the educational system impact youth digital capital. Policy implications include strengthening digital education in rural primary and secondary schools, and delivering accredited digital training for youth without tertiary education. Addressing these gaps can reduce both digital and social inequalities, and promote more equitable educational and employment opportunities for vulnerable youth in China.

Authors:
Yue Yu, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Yue YU is a PhD candidate of the Department of Social Work at Hong Kong Baptist University. Her research focuses on digital and social inequalities, youth development, Bourdieu's habitus and capital, and LLMs' application in social science research.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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