Using a critical paradigm and Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice, this research looks to understand the valued capital in the physiotherapy education field, shedding light on social advantages and disadvantages in the profession in Canada. Using a critical paradigm and Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice, this research looks to understand the valued capital in the physiotherapy education field, shedding light on social advantages and disadvantages in the profession in Canada.
This longitudinal case study conducted over six months employed multiple methods: 1) one-on-one virtual semi-structured interviews; 2) participant reflexive journaling; and 3) virtual focus groups. Eleven physiotherapy students identifying with more than one culturally marginalized identity from across Canada participated.
In developing their professional identity, physiotherapy students with multiple marginalized identities learn that they lack certain forms of capital valued in the field of physiotherapy education. The valued capital identified in this study, beyond those already identified in other studies, are: ‘ideal’ mental and physical health; non-religiosity; and financial stability. These students imagine a future field of clinical physiotherapy where the capital they possess will be valuable and a more prestigious position is solidified for them.
These findings show that a ‘good’ physiotherapy student is someone who can dedicate their life in its entirety to the field of physiotherapy education. This works best for those students who do not have financial demands, religious demands and mental and/or physical health demands. This speaks to the field condition being one that grants those students with a constant and complete focus a competitive edge.
Recognizing the valued capital in the field of physiotherapy education illuminates sources of power and inequity in the hopes that this will help achieve goals of attaining social justice in the field in Canada.
capital
