Socioeconomic Disparities in Career Expectations and Readiness Among Polish Adolescents: Insights from PISA 2022 Data
Socioeconomic Disparities in Career Expectations and Readiness Among Polish Adolescents: Insights from PISA 2022 Data
Author(s): Michał Sitek, JERZY BIELECKISubject(s): School education, Educational Psychology, State/Government and Education, Sociology of Culture, Sociology of Education, Pedagogy
Published by: Instytut Badań Edukacyjnych – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy
Keywords: Career guidance; career expectations; career readiness; PISA;
Summary/Abstract: This study investigates how career and educational expectations align with school tracks in Poland’s secondary schooling, using PISA 2022 data. We examine students in general, technical, and sectoral schools, analyzing how alignment is shaped by socioeconomic status (SES), parental involvement, academic achievement, and career information-seeking. Structural equation modeling shows that SES and parental engagement improve alignment, especially in vocational tracks, where institutional support is weaker. Math performance is also key, particularly in technical schools. In contrast, career guidance and information-seeking activities have limited effects, possibly due to variation in activity types. Many 3-year sectoral vocational students aspire to careers requiring higher education, leading to notable misalignment. The findings call for track-sensitive career support to reduce inequality and support informed decision-making.
Journal: EDUKACJA
- Issue Year: 167/2023
- Issue No: 4
- Page Range: 58-74
- Page Count: 17
- Language: English
