Arguments for a New Policy Dialog on Access and Equity in Romanian Higher Education
Arguments for a New Policy Dialog on Access and Equity in Romanian Higher Education

Summary/Abstract: This paper presents the results of a research on two national representative samples of high school pupils and freshmen from state universities in Romania. It focuses on reasons for dropping school during high school or during the first undergraduate year, and on factors that encourage pursuing higher education (bachelor’s degree or master’s degree). We construct theoretical models using demographic predictors, as well as a new dimension concerning materialistic values, in order to identify sources of inequity in higher education to undergraduate and graduate levels, which will be further used to suggest education and employment policies recommendation to improve chances to access to high levels of education. Findings show that gender is a key predictor, showing general trends of evolution in higher education. The most prominent sources of inequity are family income and parents’ level of education, as well as a dimension of the materialistic scale, the role of possessions in defining success. We also suggest new areas of inquiry in the field of education.

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