Inequality of opportunities in educational settings. Argentina, 1950-2007

Abstract

This work brings together the main findings of a quantitative empirical research about the main factors associated with educational attainment in Argentina, in the 1950-2007 period; its main objective is to identify the different sources of inequality of opportunities in educational settings. Specifically, we analyze the effect of social backgrounds and of publicprivate educational segmentation, among other variables, on educational progression opportunities. The source of statistical data is the Stratification and Social Mobility survey collected by CEDOP-UBA in 2007. Results from logistic regression models show that a very important part of intergenerational reproduction of inequality takes place in educational settings, for educational progression opportunities are strongly conditioned by social backgrounds. Additionally, the analysis provides evidence that different types of schools formalize different channels of opportunity, just as family arrangements do. The different inequalities accumulate, accentuating social differences at birth.