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Chasing the American Dream: The Role of Aspirations and Expectations

Author

Listed:
  • Michel beine

    (DEM, Université du Luxembourg, LU)

  • Ana Montes-Viñas

    (Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research)

  • Skerdilajda Zanaj

    (DEM, Université du Luxembourg, LU)

Abstract

This paper shows that the gap between expectations and aspirations plays a significant role in the educational achievements of immigrant young adults in the US. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, the study reveals that when aspirations exceed expectations—a positive gap— migrant teens tend to exert more effort, leading to improved educational performance. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the differences in academic performance between migrant children and native-born individuals are rooted in this misalignment of aspirations and expectations. By incorporating this perspective, the paper resolves the well-documented immigrant paradox in educational performance in the US.

Suggested Citation

  • Michel beine & Ana Montes-Viñas & Skerdilajda Zanaj, 2024. "Chasing the American Dream: The Role of Aspirations and Expectations," DEM Discussion Paper Series 24-11, Department of Economics at the University of Luxembourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:luc:wpaper:24-11
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    File URL: https://hdl.handle.net/10993/63056
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Add health database; aspirations; expectations; immigrant paradox; education performance.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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