Documentary search
 
 

Document

Understanding Educational Inequality: The Swedish Experience


File number :
CS-ISC-12e

Bibliographic reference :
Jonsson, J.O., & Erickson, R. (2000). Understanding Educational Inequality: The Swedish Experience. L'Année sociologique, 50(2), 345-382.

Abstract :

The authors examine the issue of educational inequalities related to social origin. It can be observed that academic achievement differs according to social background. According to Jonsson & Erikson, this situation is due to differences in academic performance (achievement inequality), resources and personal choices based on environment (choice inequality) and structural constraints of educational systems.

Achievement Inequalities
Achievement inequalities are largely caused by differences, among families from various environments, in the transmission of educational culture from parents to children, and in cultural, social, and material resources.

Choice Inequalities
As far as inequalities of opportunity are concerned, the authors present a theoretical model (personal decision model) based on the assessment that students make with the help of their parents regarding the costs, benefits, success probabilities and risks tied to various educational choices. Differences in performance and academic skills as well as differences in the propensity of students to make choices leading them to pursue their education had an influence on how these parameters were assessed.

Structural Constraints of Educational Systems
The authors also enquire into how structural factors of educational systems (i.e. integrated systems vs. differentiated systems) can alleviate or enhance differences in academic achievement based on social background.

International Comparisons and the Case of Sweden
The particular situation of Sweden, which is recognized for its low level of educational inequality, is described. This situation can largely be explained by the fact that costs related to education and disparities in the living conditions of various social groups are relatively low in this country. At the structural level, the school system reform, which extended the mandatory schooling period (from 12 to 16 years), had the effect of reducing the number of students from families with less schooling who withdraw from the general education path despite having the abilities to pursue higher studies.

The authors also examine the differences and similarities in educational inequalities in other countries such as France, the United States, England, Ireland, Germany and Holland.

Equal opportunities in education is an ideal that is very hard to reach, but the experience in Sweden, where educational inequality was reduced between 1930 and 1970, shows that improvement is possible if the right conditions prevail.



Key Words :

Social Origin, Achievement Inequality, Choice Inequality, Family Heritage, Educational Systems, Educational Transitions, Structural Factors, School Reform, School Environment, International Comparison



Monitored Countries :
Sweden