Inequality of opportunity in higher education in the Middle East and North Africa
Joint Authors
Alawode, Halimat
Krafft, Caroline
Source
Economic Research Forum : Working Paper Series
Issue
Vol. 2016, Issue 979-1073 (31 Dec. 2016), pp.1-26, 26 p.
Publisher
Economic Research Forum for the Arab Countries Iran and Turkey
Publication Date
2016-12-31
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
26
Main Subjects
Economics & Business Administration
Abstract EN
Problems with inequality have been at the forefront of recent events in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Yet by conventional measures such as wages and consumption, inequality is not particularly high.
In this paper we explore an alternative dimension of inequality, specifically inequality of opportunity in higher education.
We assess the determinants of attaining higher education in Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia and quantify the extent and drivers of inequality of opportunity.
We find that inequality is similarly high in Egypt and Tunisia, but moderate in Jordan.
In all three countries family socio-economic characteristics are the primary driver of inequality.
Family characteristics affect attainment even after accounting for test scores, which are themselves influenced by socio-economic status.
Particularly in Egypt and Tunisia, where higher education is free of charge, public spending on higher education is ultimately regressive.
Thus, a theoretically meritocratic and equitable system perpetuates inequality.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Krafft, Caroline& Alawode, Halimat. 2016. Inequality of opportunity in higher education in the Middle East and North Africa. Economic Research Forum : Working Paper Series،Vol. 2016, no. 979-1073, pp.1-26.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-729496
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Krafft, Caroline& Alawode, Halimat. Inequality of opportunity in higher education in the Middle East and North Africa. Economic Research Forum : Working Paper Series No. 979-1073 (Dec. 2016), pp.1-26.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-729496
American Medical Association (AMA)
Krafft, Caroline& Alawode, Halimat. Inequality of opportunity in higher education in the Middle East and North Africa. Economic Research Forum : Working Paper Series. 2016. Vol. 2016, no. 979-1073, pp.1-26.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-729496
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes appendices : p. 19-26
Record ID
BIM-729496