The aim of this study is to examine the influence of social class, operationalized from a Bourdieusian perspective, on Hong Kong humanities and social sciences doctoral students’ envisioned reasons for pursuing doctoral education, which are conceptualized in terms of educational aims, and their socialization strategies taken to achieve their educational aims during their studies. The specific questions which drive the research are:
Considering social class from a Bourdieusian perspective, what are the educational aims of humanities and social sciences PhD students in Hong Kong?
How do humanities and social sciences PhD students in Hong Kong in different social classes achieve their educational aims during their studies through socialization strategies?