PICTURES WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: DRAWING ANALYSIS UNCOVERS GEOSCIENCE CAREERS INFLUENCED BY SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CAPITAL

The geosciences are composed of fields that seek a better understanding of the natural world and how humans impact the planet. Rising global issues, such as climate change and clean water, as well as a growing job market, have turned attention to factors that can help increase diversity of scientists in the field. This study is based in the theory of social and cultural capital, types of non-financial wealth obtained by individuals and groups through connections and experiences. In particular, we investigated how individuals in the geosciences accessed specific resources and opportunities which eventually led to their entering the discipline. Surveys were distributed to volunteers visiting an exhibit booth during a professional geoscience conference held in fall of 2016. These surveys asked participants to “draw a picture of the people and experiences that have influenced your career up to this point”, with a short list of suggested guidelines. One-hundred-forty-eight completed drawings were coded through a thematic content analysis, wherein salient characteristics of drawings were documented and later grouped into common themes. We found that specific people (family, professors, peers) provided access to resources (education, museums, parks) as well as experiences (camping, traveling, research) that were instrumental in career building. Two models of drawings emerged from the analysis and aligned with the constructs of social and cultural capital. Cultural capital was more prevalent in majority white than non-white participants, suggesting different pathways into geoscience careers. We hope this and similar research will highlight ways in which social and cultural capital can be transferred later in life to create a better system with more equal opportunities.