The Many Ways Parents Game the System: The Transition Into Secondary School Tracks in Germany

• In Event: 64.083 - Tracking and Instructional Practices

Abstract

In the present paper, we analyze the mechanisms underlying social inequalities in the transition from elementary school into secondary school tracks in Germany using a mixed-methods design. Drawing on quantitative data from 3935 students and their parents, we found that students from high-SES families were more likely to enter the academic track than students from low-SES families even after taking into account achievement differences. In-depth interviews with 25 parents revealed the many ways in which parents intervened during the transition process. While all parents invested considerable efforts to get the best for their child, high-SES parents were more adept and well-versed during the transition process and thus had particularly effective ways to get what they want for their children.

Authors

• Hanna Dumont, DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education

• Denise Klinge

• Kai Maaz