Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined the predictors of educational attainment in the children of immigrants.These second-generation children represent an astounding degree of variation in adaptation outcomes, including educational attainment, with significant and reliable differences among national origin groups.One explanation for this phenomenon is differences in social capital; ethnic communities that are more firmly established and cohesive may be better positioned to provide social and cognitive support to youth.This study investigated what factors influence educational attainment in second-generation students, paying particular attention to differences in community level variables that contribute to national origin groups' social capital.The study employed a probit specification to explore an important outcome: graduation from college.Controlling for individual characteristics and family context-study habits, educational expectations, parental socioeconomic status, parents' nativity-reduced the effect of national origin group on graduation rates.However, community variables like community solidarity, social closure, government assistance and perceived discrimination did not significantly predict outcomes.Given the increasing importance of this population, research in this field is timely and relevant for policy makers and educators concerned with equity and excellence in education.
Author: Cristina Maria Novoa
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2277766057