Social Class, Cultural Capital, and Education: Japanese and International Students’ Perceptions of “Oya Gacha”

ABSTRACT

This study examines the perceptions of Japanese and international students in Japan regarding the concept of “Oya Gacha” (“Parent Lottery”). The analysis applied Bourdieu’s theory of cultural reproduction as a theoretical framework. “Oya Gacha” reflects the notion that a child’s life is significantly influenced by their family’s socioeconomic status because it affects their access to educational opportunities and career options. This study used a mixed-methods design incorporating qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the survey responses of 115 college students. Quantitative analysis indicated that Japanese and international students showed similar overall levels of agreement with the concept, although international students displayed greater variation in their responses. The results suggest that, although both groups recognize the influence of parental background on life outcomes, Japanese students are more likely to agree with the concept of “Oya Gacha.” In contrast, international students’ perspectives varied based on the social mobility structures of their home countries. Further qualitative analysis revealed that students interpreted the concept differently. Some emphasized structural inequality, whereas others stressed the importance of individual effort in overcoming disadvantaged circumstances. This study highlights the importance of cultural capital in shaping students’ beliefs about inequality. The findings contribute to discussions on social inequality by showing how students in different cultural contexts interpret the relationship between family background and individual effort. Future studies should use larger samples and analyze international differences in greater detail.