English as Social Capital: Parental Expectations vs. Academic Realities in Tamil Nadu Higher Education

Abstract

This study considers the role of English as social capital in Indian higher education by specific focussing on the lack of congruence between parental aspirations and academic realities. The study used a descriptive survey design and obtained quantitative data from 330 stakeholders comprising parents, students and faculty members of English from government, government-aided and self-financing colleges in Tamil Nadu. Using a structured questionnaire examined four main areas being parental investments, current academic practices, employees’ skills and the mismatch between expectations and results. The findings of the data analysis revealed that in the Indian context, employers consider English as an integral social capital while its management in the universities remains a nonproductive theoretical one. Further students obtain good grades even though they lack fluency in communication to compete for employment. Based on the study, it is recommended that the curriculum should include more performance-based activities like debating and public speaking rather than traditional reading-based courses. This research is important as it gives insights into how to make the content relevant and useful for the industry.