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Does the expansion of higher education increase the equality of educational opportunities? Evidence from Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Massimiliano Bratti

    (Univesrity of Milan)

  • Daniele Checchi

    (Univesrity of Milan)

  • Guido de Blasio

    (Bank of Italy)

Abstract

This paper studies the role of the expansion of higher education supply in increasing the equality of post-secondary education opportunities. It examines Italy�s experience during the 1990s, when policy changes prompted universities to offer a wider range of degree courses and to open new campuses. Our analysis focuses on full-time students (not older than 31); the results suggest that the expansion had only limited effects in terms of reducing individual inequality in higher education achievement. That is, the greater availability of courses had a significant positive impact only on the probability of enrolment, not on that of obtaining a university degree, while the opening of new campuses had no effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimiliano Bratti & Daniele Checchi & Guido de Blasio, 2008. "Does the expansion of higher education increase the equality of educational opportunities? Evidence from Italy," Temi di discussione (Economic working papers) 679, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:wptemi:td_679_08
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Higher Education; family background; Italy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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