Incomplete equalization: The effect of tracking in secondary education on educational inequality

摘要: This paper tests whether the existence of vocationally oriented tracks within a traditionally academically upper education system reduces socioeconomic inequalities in educational attainment. Based on statistical model transitions and data two entire cohorts Danish youth, we find that (1) are less socially selective than traditional academic track; (2) attending has negative effect likelihood enrolling higher education; (3) aggregate improve access to lower-tier for low-SES students. These findings point an interesting paradox tracking adverse effects at micro-level but equalizes opportunities macro-level. We also discuss similar mechanisms might exist other systems.