Abstract
Previous research has shown that family background still plays a role in educational choices, especially when it comes to elite education. We examine how family background affects the likelihood of graduating in an elite or non-elite university abroad. We use two unique surveys of Danish emigrants and register data on full population. Overall, we find that children with highly educated and positioned parents are more likely to seek distinctive educational capital. Also, around half of those pursuing elite education abroad have parents who have studied or worked abroad. Hence, people pursuing international elite education have considerable cosmopolitan capital and a mindset for operating
abroad. Father’s education plays a bigger role for men while mother’s education plays a bigger role for women, especially among women going for elite ducation. When we asked respondents why they studied abroad, especially men highlighted academic level and prestige. For one third of women, partner was an important consideration.
abroad. Father’s education plays a bigger role for men while mother’s education plays a bigger role for women, especially among women going for elite ducation. When we asked respondents why they studied abroad, especially men highlighted academic level and prestige. For one third of women, partner was an important consideration.
Original language | English |
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Publication date | 7 Apr 2011 |
Number of pages | 30 |
Publication status | Published - 7 Apr 2011 |
Event | Presented at The 25th Conference of the Nordic Sociological Association - University of Oslo, Norway Duration: 4 Aug 2011 → 7 Aug 2011 |
Conference
Conference | Presented at The 25th Conference of the Nordic Sociological Association |
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Country/Territory | Norway |
City | University of Oslo |
Period | 04/08/2011 → 07/08/2011 |