Tło społeczne i niektóre elementy sytuacji studiowania nieatrakcyjnych kierunków, na przykładzie studentów wychowania fizycznego

Background. The aim of the study was to look at the social composition of students studying unpopular degree courses and to verify whether their social characteristics affect their studyrelated situation. The questions arose in the context of the processes occurring in higher education in Poland in recent years: increasing accessibility of higher education and elimination of horizontal access barriers. Material and methods. A group of 412 students in master’s degree programs in physical education, tourism and recreation, and physiotherapy participated in the survey. Results. The results indicate that people coming from families of lower status tend to select these degree courses more often than others. The student community encompasses people from two socio-professional backgrounds: (i) business owners and (ii) employees in the service and trade sector. Social origin affects the subjects’ studying situation. Considering the aspects of satisfaction connected with studying and accepting their later role as professionals, physical education students have the most positive image of studies. Conclusions. In the social strata from which the students come, the need for higher education is acknowledged, and the families can provide money necessary for this purpose.