Inequality in educational transitions in Spain. The compensation effect

Abstract

This article analyzes different academic achievements in the trajectory of young people in secondary education in Spain. It explains the differential role that families play according to the academic results of their children, specifically how families with more resources compensate the low educational performance of their offspring (compensation effect). Using data from a retrospective survey of young people, it presents descriptive analyses and calculates probabilities of achievement. The results show that, although it appears at other points in the trajectory, this compensation effect is most evident in the transition from high school to college.