Saving Some Inequality for Young Adulthood? Social Origin Differences in ‘Re’-enrollment in Postsecondary Education in the United States, Sweden, and Germany

Abstract

Abstract In this article, three country contexts are compared with regard to inequality by social origin in late enrollment in post-secondary education. Countries differ in the frequency at which young adults leave the labor market and (re)-enroll. This article discusses how inequality in late entry into education by social origin can be linked to characteristics of the education system and the labor market. Two cases with education systems that welcome adult learners and offer many second chances – Sweden and the US – are contrasted with the German system before its recent reforms. Systems with a welcoming environment for adult learners in higher education are shown to have higher educational inequalities in later transitions, while inequality in earlier transitions is lower.