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This research cluster focuses on structural factors that influence access to, participation in and progression through education.
Despite the strong average performance of the Flemish education system, educational opportunities and outcomes remain strongly associated with social background. Differences in socio-economic background, parents’ educational attainment, cultural and linguistic resources, and access to support all influence educational trajectories and social mobility. This research cluster comprises two key areas:
- school refusal and dropout and
- the intergenerational reproduction of educational inequality, with a particular focus on first-generation students
Our current projects
Fear of the school gate
This research builds further on the theme of school refusal, with a particular focus on non-residential, first-line youth support services and how they provide support to young people experiencing school refusal and their families.
Pathways to higher education for aspiring first-generation students
This research examines the social determinants shaping the aspirations of prospective first-generation higher education students: young people who are considering pursuing further education and whose parents have not themselves pursued education beyond secondary school.
Social mobility through education: boundary work
More equal access to higher education can be achieved if more children of parents who have not pursued higher education go on to study at this level. We examined the barriers and sources of encouragement experienced by these young people.
Curious to learn more?
Are you interested in our research in social mobility? Then be sure to visit other projects on the webpage of the Research Centre for Learning in Diversity.