The role of education for social inequality in modern societies (with a special perspective on EU Member States)

The topic of inequality, equity and social inclusion plays a prominent role in recent European Commission Communications. The authors of this short report aim to provide a brief review of the aspects that have been identified as relevant for the role of education for social inequality. They look into the areas in life that are influenced by education (of the individual, of an individual’s parents, but also including the role of educational certificates) and other relevant aspects on an individual level, setting out the different determinants and referring to the latest international data and secondary analyses available. The authors also look into how inequality in societies is influenced by education and how this, in turn, influences other social aspects, especially social inclusion, setting out the different determinants and referring to the latest international data and secondary analyses available.