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The role of education in intergenerational social mobility: Problems from empirical research in sociology and some theoretical pointers from economics

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  • John H Goldthorpe
Abstract
Insofar as research into intergenerational social mobility and its mediation via education has had any theoretical context, this has been provided by the functionalist theory of industrial and post-industrial society. However, the inadequacies of this theory have become increasingly apparent, and rather little appeal to it is now in fact made. Yet no alternative body of theory has emerged. I propose that in developing the micro-level theory that is needed, sociologists could, with advantage, adapt to their own purposes theories originating in the economics of labour markets and, in particular, three theories in some degree deviating from mainstream human capital theory: screening and signalling theory; job competition theory; and incentive-enhancing preference theory. In this way, explanations for findings going contrary to expectations under the functionalist theory can be advanced that can already be provided with some degree of empirical support and that will be readily open to further testing.

Suggested Citation

  • John H Goldthorpe, 2014. "The role of education in intergenerational social mobility: Problems from empirical research in sociology and some theoretical pointers from economics," Rationality and Society, , vol. 26(3), pages 265-289, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:26:y:2014:i:3:p:265-289
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463113519068
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    2. Alexi Gugushvili & Martin McKee & Michael Murphy & Aytalina Azarova & Darja Irdam & Katarzyna Doniec & Lawrence King, 2019. "Intergenerational Mobility in Relative Educational Attainment and Health-Related Behaviours," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 141(1), pages 413-441, January.
    3. Semrad, Alexandra, 2015. "Educational expansion and social composition of secondary schools: evidence from Bavarian school registries 1810-1890," Discussion Papers in Economics 25261, University of Munich, Department of Economics.
    4. Ana Santiago Vela, 2021. "Same Degree, Same Opportunities? Educational and Social Background Effects on Overeducation in Germany," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-32, August.
    5. Petra Sauer & Philippe Van Kerm & Daniele Checchi, 2023. "Higher Education Expansion & Labour Income Inequality in High-income Countries: A Gender-specific Perspective," LIS Working papers 837, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
    6. Chan, Wing Kit & Zhang, Jiayu, 2021. "Can university qualification promote social mobility? A review of higher education expansion and graduate employment in China," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    7. Gabriela Neagu & Muhammet Berigel & Vladislava Lendzhova, 2021. "How Digital Inclusion Increase Opportunities for Young People: Case of NEETs from Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-17, July.
    8. Driouchi, Ahmed & Gamar, Alae, 2016. "The Gap between Educational & Social Intergenerational Mobility in Arab Countries," MPRA Paper 73998, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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