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Family Habitus & Ways to Help

 

Family habitus refers to the set of values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are transmitted from one generation to the next within a family.  Habitus can be used to explore the extent to which families construct a collective relationship with science or math and the extent to which these fields are “woven” into un/conscious family life (or not).  These dispositions can influence a family’s beliefs about science as well as how and whether they choose to engage with science (Archer et al., 2012). A family’s science habitus has also been shown to influence science learning in school (e.g., Boonk et al., 2018) and can lead to lifelong engagement with science outside of school, such as science-based hobbies (Jones et al., 2017).  It therefore plays a significant role in influencing girls and students of color and their interest, engagement, and success in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math).  

How might family habitus impact participation in STEAM fields?

  • Gendered Role Expectations: Family habitus often includes traditional gender roles and expectations. If a family subscribes to the belief that certain fields are more suitable for boys while others are more appropriate for girls, this can influence a girl's perception of her own abilities and potential in STEM or STEAM.

  • Parental Encouragement and Role Modeling: Family habitus shapes the degree to which parents encourage their children to explore various subjects and careers. Parents who have a STEM or STEAM background and those who value these fields are more likely to expose their children, both boys and girls, to STEAM-related activities and discussions.

  • Educational Aspirations: Family habitus can impact the educational aspirations of all students, across multiple fields, especially for girls and students of color. Families that prioritize academic excellence and higher education are more likely to support their daughters' pursuit of STEAM subjects and careers.

  • Cultural Norms and Stereotypes: Cultural values and stereotypes embedded in family habitus can perpetuate the idea that STEAM fields are "masculine" and unsuitable for girls. Challenging these norms requires deliberate efforts to reshape family perspectives.

  • Self-Efficacy and Confidence: Family habitus can either boost or hinder students’ self-efficacy and confidence in STEAM.  Positive reinforcement and support from family members can contribute to greater self-belief and motivation to excel in STEM subjects.

According to research, families with the strongest science interests and orientations are most likely to be middle class (and White/South Asian). These families typically not only enjoy access to high-quality, science-related resources/capital but also engage in family practices that could support and “grow” their children’s potential interest/aspirations.  Research suggests that their combination of family habitus and capital provides a “fertile ground” that renders science more thinkable/desirable for their children. These families often have more resources that enable them to capitalize upon any nascent interest among their children.  STEM careers, therefore, become a realistic and potentially more robust aspiration.

For many working-class children, however, the configuration of family habitus and the unequal distribution of capital within society combine to render science more of an “unknown” and/or “unthinkable” option.

To promote participation in STEM fields, it's important to address and transform family habitus by challenging gender and racial stereotypes, promoting inclusive attitudes, and encouraging exposure to STEM activities. It appears to be important that we increase both children’s and parents’ knowledge of the wide variety of STEM careers. Schools might best achieve this through direct work with families and by embedding an awareness of STEM careers into the school science, math, and technology curricula. 

Six Ways Families Can Support a Child’s Interest in Math & Science

1. Promote a Positive Attitude Towards Math and Science

  • Model and express an enthusiasm for math and science yourself.  Show your children that these subjects are enjoyable.  Watch for and name how math and science are important in everyday life.  
  • Avoid using language that may suggest you’re not interested in or “have never been good at” math or science.  Kids pick up on our language and attitudes and may take these on themselves.
  • Encourage a growth mindset by emphasizing effort, perseverance, and the belief that abilities can be developed over time through hard work and dedication.

2. Incorporate Math and Science into Daily Activities

  • Integrate math and science concepts into everyday activities, such as measuring ingredients while cooking, counting items during shopping, or discussing the natural world during outdoor walks.
  • Engage your child in simple experiments or observations related to science, like watching how plants grow, observing changes in the weather, or exploring properties of different materials.

3. Leverage Educational Resources

  • Explore age-appropriate math and science books, videos, apps, and educational websites to make learning enjoyable and interactive for your child.
  • If opportunities exist for your family, visit museums, science centers, botanical gardens, or planetariums to expose your child to various scientific and mathematical concepts in a fun and engaging way.

4. Encourage Hands-on Learning

  • Provide opportunities for hands-on learning experiences, such as building with blocks, playing with puzzles, conducting simple science experiments, or using math manipulatives.
  • Support participation in math and science clubs, after-school programs, or workshops that encourage exploration and experimentation.

5. Engage in Problem-Solving Together

  • Encourage your child to think critically and solve problems by engaging in discussions and activities that require reasoning, deduction, and creative thinking.
  • Look for opportunities to think about how things in daily life could be done better, more efficiently, or for a specific audience.  Use principles of design thinking, especially empathy, to explore creative options, 
  • Solve puzzles, play strategy games, or work on math problems together, fostering a supportive environment for learning and problem-solving.

6. Celebrate Achievements and Effort

  • Celebrate your child's successes and efforts in math and science, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation to continue learning and exploring.
  • Provide positive reinforcement and praise for their curiosity, creativity, and perseverance in tackling math and science challenges.