Publication
Title
Social inequality in education and the use of extramural support services : access and parental experiences in disadvantaged families
Author
Abstract
As low socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnic minority students often experience barriers during their school career, increased levels of referral of these students to extramural support services in education (ESS) can be expected. Yet, research indicates that disadvantaged students are often underrepresented in different types of ESS. The purpose of this study is to examine possible social inequalities in the use of, and referral to, ESS (study 1) and to explore the experiences of disadvantaged students parents (study 2). In study 1, 3302 parents of school-aged children completed a survey on the use of ESS. Data were analysed using logistic regression analyses. In study 2, parents of disadvantaged school-aged children (N = 8) participated in focus group discussions, which were analysed thematically. Results of study 1 confirmed the unequal use of ESS according to family SES and migration history, and revealed that inequality was especially prominent in private ESS, whilst subsidised ESS was equally used. Schools did not refer low SES and ethnic minority students more to ESS. In study 2, disadvantaged students parents addressed the role of multiple thresholds beyond merely financial barriers in decision processes pertaining to ESS use. Results indicate varying degrees of social inequality in the use of subsidised and private ESS. Such dynamics of unequal access and participation can reinforce unequal education opportunities. Addressing disadvantaged families subjectively experienced thresholds may provide one way to reduce this inequality. When disadvantaged families do not reach the necessary ESS, schools should compensate and increase their guidance for these students.
Language
English
Source (journal)
European journal of psychology of education. - Lisboa, 1986, currens
Publication
Lisboa : 2018
ISSN
0256-2928 [print]
1878-5174 [online]
DOI
10.1007/S10212-017-0335-Z
Volume/pages
33 :2 (2018) , p. 215-233
ISI
000426652700002
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 06.06.2017
Last edited 09.10.2023
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