The direct and indirect effects of social background on occupational positions in Sweden : new evidence on old questions

• This chapter looks at Sweden, long extolled as an egalitarian society with low economic inequalities and high levels of equality of opportunity (e.g., Björklund and Jäntti 2011). Our research questions follow those of the broader project. First, we ask whether direct class background effects are found in Sweden. The second question concerns whether the effects of social background have changed over time. Third, we ask whether direct class background effects are weaker among persons with a tertiary education. Fourth, we are interested in whether class-of-origin effects are stronger or weaker at labour market entry, when employers have less information on potential workers and vice versa, than at later career stages. Finally, we analyse whether direct social origin effects vary by gender. In section 12.2, we discuss the Swedish context and its relevant institutions and characteristics. Then in section 12.3 we review the previous studies pertaining to our research questions. Thereafter, in section 12.4, we present our data. In section 12.5 we present our findings, while section 12.6 provides a discussion.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

education

education policy

social policy

sociology

sociological theory

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kap (subject category)