Varieties in School Careers: Social Class Differences in Equal Opportunities in the Dutch Educational System

• In Event: 32.083 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 32.083-9 - Social Class and Experiences With Schooling

Abstract

Insight in the effects of socio-economic background on educational transitions are highly relevant for understanding social and economic outcomes. We study systematic differences in school careers of children from various social backgrounds. We use a Dutch cohort study in which children are followed for 15 years, starting in 6th grade. Because of its tracked system with many transitions, the Dutch education system offers an interesting example. Comparing children with similar cognitive abilities shows that children with higher educated parents obtain higher educational levels at all points in their school career than children with lower educated parents. After controlling for path dependence, still an additional effect of parents educational level is visible at important transitions and moments in one’s school career.

Authors

• Esmee Jonk, Maastricht University School of Business and Economics

• Trudie Schils, Maastricht University

• Inge DeWolf, Dutch Inspectorate of Education