Transitions, tracks and transformations: social inequality in transitions into, through and out of secondary education in the Netherlands for cohorts born between 1914 and 1985

摘要: Writing a dissertation at certain points is more a matter of “not giving up” than tangible progress and success. During the last years, I met people who either contributed to the tangible progress and success of the dissertation or who prevented me from giving up or even both. Each of my three advisors contributed in his own way to the success of this dissertation and to my personal development. Nan Dirk, you always had an open door and ear for my questions and problems, but I would say that the most important lesson I learned from you is how to work independently and rely on my own judgement. Paul, you probably are the one who suffered most from my eigenwijsheid. I nevertheless always enjoyed the friction and challenging discussions. Disagreeing with you often helped me to find my own way through this project. I still would never admit how right you were in certain points and how many of your views I actually clandestinely adopted. Maarten, you taught me to be less hesitant: Without your verve I would probably still ponder over unsubmitted manuscripts. Our lively discussions brought some new perspectives into my work at a time when I most needed a change.I am particularly grateful that I also have an “inofficial advisor” and mentor in Mannheim: Marita, you probably do not even know how much you contributed to this dissertation: Working together with you gave a decisive twist to my way of thinking and working. Being inspiring, energetic and efficient you were and still are one of my most important role models. Thank you for your advice and support. I hope we will continue our successful collaboration in the next years. I would like to …