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Intergenerational Mobility and Schooling Decisions in Germany and Italy: The Impact of Secondary School Tracks

Author

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  • Daniele Checchi

    (University of Milan - Department of Economics)

  • Luca Flabbi

    (IDB and Georgetown University - Faculty of Political, Economic and Social Sciences.)

Abstract

Intergenerational mobility in education and income is affected by the influence of parents on children’s school choices. We assess if tracking students at the Secondary School level reduces or magnifies this influence by studying educational systems characterized by student tracking in two different countries, Italy and Germany. Using data from a cross-country survey (PISA 2003), we show that the greater flexibility of the Italian system translates into greater dependence from parental background. Using country-specific data (ISTAT 2001 and GSOEP 2001, 2002), we show that the impact of family background on post-secondary school choices is strongly mediated by secondary school tracks choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniele Checchi & Luca Flabbi, 2013. "Intergenerational Mobility and Schooling Decisions in Germany and Italy: The Impact of Secondary School Tracks," Rivista di Politica Economica, SIPI Spa, issue 3, pages 7-57, July-Sept.
    • Handle: RePEc:rpo:ripoec:y:2013:i:3:p:7-57
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    secondary school tracks; education; intergenerational mobility.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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