Ethnic clustering in schools and early career outcomes
Journal
Economics of Education Review
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Abstract
This study examines the impact of ethnic clustering during compulsory schooling on the career paths of ethnic
minority students. We observe whether students upon completing compulsory school join an academic track,
a vocational education, a transition year or no further education. We show that the effect of foreign language
peers depends on whether or not they speak the same foreign language as the observed student. A higher overall
share of foreign language peers in a cohort increases the probability of these students entering vocational
education at the expense of academic education. It also leads to lower projected earnings. Peers speaking
the same foreign language as the student observed also increase the student’s chances of joining vocational
education, but at the expense of a transition year. Looking at mechanisms, we provide evidence that foreign
language peers affect language acquisition negatively, but can provide positive network effects.
minority students. We observe whether students upon completing compulsory school join an academic track,
a vocational education, a transition year or no further education. We show that the effect of foreign language
peers depends on whether or not they speak the same foreign language as the observed student. A higher overall
share of foreign language peers in a cohort increases the probability of these students entering vocational
education at the expense of academic education. It also leads to lower projected earnings. Peers speaking
the same foreign language as the student observed also increase the student’s chances of joining vocational
education, but at the expense of a transition year. Looking at mechanisms, we provide evidence that foreign
language peers affect language acquisition negatively, but can provide positive network effects.
Language
English
Keywords
ethnic minorities
ethnic segregation
peer effects
education
early career outcomes
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Volume
106
Official URL
Subject(s)
Division(s)
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
open.access
Name
2025_ECOEDU.pdf
Size
1.41 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
e1bce0b9d35290b9492368feba389702