Using a longitudinal study of a national sample of white males, this study clarifies how socialization is related to mobility in educational and occupational attainment. (Author/DE)

Data from a statewide probability sample of Louisiana high school seniors are used to assess causal effects of significant-other influence on aspirations. The results indicate that compared to other forms of significant-other influence, peer-modeling influence had the strongest effects on aspirations. (Author/DE)

The author presents an evaluation of the effects of social class on the academic careers and vocational choices of male students at an elite college. The results of the study indicate no differences between working-class and upper-middle-class students in terms of major subject, grades, plans for further education, career plans, and anticipated…

The findings of this study show that participation in athletic activities is not necessarily detrimental to academic persuits; in fact, boys who were not otherwise predisposed to attend college were strongly influenced by sports involvement. (Author/JB)

Describes a longitudinal study which examined patterns of change in the life-goal aspirations and educational expectations of 2,786 women and men who graduated from the University of California, Davis, between 1968-79. Findings indicated that life-goal aspirations and educational expectations have changed over the decade of the 1970s. (Author/AM)

Presents a study that focused on life course perspective to adolescent academic orientation and parental involvement in education. Reveals that students in college-preparatory track begin high school as the highest in orientation and involvement, but they also experience a decline over time. Includes references. (CMK)

This article, using Bolivian data to test a model based on American theoretical formulations, shows that interpersonal influences mediate the effects of structural variables on educational aspirations. (Author/DE)

Investigates characteristics of students and their close friends and how they affect college aspirations and attendance. Focuses on whether gender, race, and track placement in school result in different peer-influence processes. Finds influence varies with racial and gender compositions of friendships. (NL)

Using a social reproduction theory framework, analyzes the process by which high school seniors aspiring to high-level positions are sorted out after graduation. Analyzes early educational attainments and changes in occupational expectations. Shows a process of cumulative disadvantage in which White males are more likely to achieve their goals.…

Examines the importance of students' participation in cultural activities as a source of differentiation in the higher education plans of Australian secondary school students. Finds that cultural consumption has a major impact upon boys and a moderate impact upon girls. Proposes that cultural consumption mediates the relationship between social…

Posits that West Germany's educational system created vulnerable and less vulnerable phases in the educational careers of various birth cohorts. Asserts that these phases resulted from the use of age-graded organization and from the different types of institutions that constitute the system. Shows how educational reforms affected educational…

Discusses a study of whether Chinese-American families in small businesses promote educational achievement by transmitting high aspirations to the next generation. Concludes that proprietors exert positive influence on their children's educational attainment. Suggests that small business participation has encouraged intergenerational educational…

Though educationally relevant factors are the most important in explaining college destinations, socioeconomic factors still play a big role. Influence of the ascriptive factors of race, ethnicity, and sex are more mixed in their effect. The academic and socioeconomic "rich" become richer, while the academic and socioeconomic "poor" become poorer.…