Urban Rural Educational Inequalities and Human Capital Polarization in Romania

Abstract

Equal access to education is among the basic human rights. However, numerous studies show that educational gaps between various groups in many countries persist (OECD, 2012). Educational inequalities are on the agenda of policy makers in many countries as they affect life chances of individuals and contribute to perpetuation of social disadvantages. In many cases, children coming from disadvantaged communities register lower school outcomes and grow up without acquiring the skills needed on the labour market. The present paper aims to analyse the level and evolution of urban-rural educational inequalities in Romania. We analyse data on educational attainment in urban and rural areas, showing how participation to education is influenced by the area of residence. It is argued that rural-urban educational inequalities determine human capital polarization, producing labour market segmentation in long term. How to cite: Zamfir, A-M. (2017). Urban-Rural Educational Inequalities and Human Capital Polarization in Romania. Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 9 (3), 156-164. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/2017.0903.10