University of Auckland

Why Are the Youth from Poorer Families Less Represented at Universities? A Longitudinal Study.

Email address: s.maani@auckland.ac.nz

Abstract:
Utilising evidence from a longitudinal data set in New Zealand, this study examines the determinants of school leaving, labour supply behaviour and higher education choices of young adults at ages 16 and 18. The data set employed (the Christchurch Health and Development Survey) includes a number of variables, from birth to age 18, not commonly available in economic data sets. The analysis uses binary and multinomial choice models to examine the effect of ability factors and household economic constraints on the choice to remain at secondary school beyond post-compulsory levels at age 16, and the determinants of participation in higher education, as opposed to engaging in labour supply, or unemployment at age 18. The study finally examines the determinants of the type of higher education institution attended. The study concludes that schooling decisions at ages 16 and 18 to a great extent represent personal choice, but they are significantly influenced by factors that are at work for a long period of time. Both personal ability and household income constraints and socio-economic background are influential in school retention choices, and exert an influence through factors such as academic performance and school effects. This has important implications for assisting groups that have low representation at the tertiary level, such as the Maori, as the study highlights that the process of improving educational opportunities is multifaceted, and should also encompass the earlier stages of the educational process for eligibility or interest in higher education.

PDF file of paper: maani.pdf

Session: Labor Economics

Time: Sunday, 8 July, 8am - 9:30am

Room: D