Literature Review of the Mechanisms of Inequality of Access to Educational Credentials : Primary and secondary effects of social origins and fundamental issues of educational choice models

Abstract

In this paper, I review the theoretical and empirical studies on the mechanisms of inequality of access to educational credentials. In particular, I concentrate on secondary effects of social origins on educational attainments and the role of information deficits about higher education. I note the need for greater attention to the actor in educational choices for secondary effects is also discussed and consider the important role of parents who know a lot about the benefits and costs of higher education