The Primary School Dropout in Spain: The Influence of Family Background and Labor Market Conditions

Abstract

The most outstanding event in the Spanish education system in the past two decades has been the overall improvement of enrolment in all educational levels. However, the primary school dropout rate in Spain is relatively high, and the evidence indicates that being a dropout is a permanent condition. This is the first study on dropouts in Spain, and it uses individual-level data from the Living and Working Conditions Survey (1985) to analyze the determinants of dropping out of primary school in Spain. This paper focuses on the impact of family socio-economic background and labour market conditions on dropping out. The results from logistic regression for dropping out are consistent with earlier literature. Specifically, they indicate that family socio-economic status variables are significant factors in determining the probability of dropping out, and the youth labour market conditions also have an impact on primary school dropout behaviour. Finally, some policy recommendations are discussed.