ERIC Number: EJ753232
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 42
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-1546
EISSN: N/A
Who Studies the Arts and Sciences? Social Background and the Choice and Consequences of Undergraduate Field of Study
Goyette, Kimberly A.; Mullen, Ann L.
Journal of Higher Education, v77 n3 p497-538 May-Jun 2006
Curricula in U.S. colleges and universities have historically evolved around two ideal types: arts and science fields (A&S), and vocational fields. Using the National Educational Longitudinal Study, 1992-1994, we find that high socioeconomic status (SES) students are more likely to choose A&S fields than are low-SES students. The Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study, 1993-1997, shows that vocational majors are employed at higher paying jobs than are A&S majors 4 years after college graduation, while arts and science majors are more likely to enroll in graduate school during these years. We conclude that these distinct educational trajectories reinforce the relationship between parents' and their children's social class. (Contains 6 tables and 14 endnotes.)
Descriptors: Majors (Students), Socioeconomic Background, Higher Education, Social Class, Graduation, Socioeconomic Status, Longitudinal Studies, Salary Wage Differentials, Graduate Study
Ohio State University Press. 180 Pressey Hall, 1070 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1002. Tel: 614-292-1407; Fax: 614-292-2065; Web site: http://www.ohiostatepress.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A