Abstract
In the course of the Bologna Process, European higher education systems have experienced major reforms. In Germany as in several other countries, the main novelty was a reduction of the length of study to get a first-level degree (Bachelor), together with the introduction of a second-level degree (Master’s). One of the priorities of the Bologna Process is the so-called ‘social dimension’, meaning that participation in higher education should be widened by fostering the potential of students from under-represented groups, such as those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. To evaluate this reform goal, this article tests whether the shortening of the length of study to get a first degree countervails the under-representation. I use variation introduced by the non-uniform adaption of the new degree structure to identify the effect. Using repeated cross-sectional student survey data to generate panel data at the level of study courses, fixed-effects estimators indicate that the shortening has no (positive) effect on the share of students from low social origins.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.