Influence of cultural capital on students' academic performance

Cultural capital encompasses the knowledge, values, and skills that individuals acquire through socialization, particularly within the family environment, and which directly influence their academic performance. This study aimed to analyze how the unequal distribution of cultural capital among families contributes to educational inequalities. Using Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical framework, the research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing purposive sampling and interviews with key stakeholders: a sociologist, an early childhood educator, a parent, and a university student. This approach sought to obtain diverse perspectives on the relationship between cultural capital and academic performance. The results show that the educational system tends to favor students whose cultural capital aligns with school norms, perpetuating gaps from early childhood education to higher levels. However, compensatory factors, such as family emotional support and personal motivation, also emerge, which can partially mitigate these inequalities. The study concludes that schools need to recognize the cultural diversity of their student body and strengthen inclusive pedagogical strategies that reduce the gaps associated with cultural capital.