Inequality of educational opportunities (IEO) is a recurring topic in both public debate and
academic research. This book contributes to the contemporary discussion on IEO with a focus on
individual trajectories over the life course. It provides empirical evidence on the magnitude
and the mechanisms of IEO in Colombia a country with extreme persistent levels of social
inequality. Using national administrative databases the author examines the effect of social
origin on academic and labor market outcomes among university graduates. Drawing on a
comprehensive theoretical approach to stratification and higher education this volume
discusses how the interaction between family background and segmentation of educational
institutions might influence individuals' outcomes. As such it will appeal to scholars policy
makers and practitioners with interests in education social inequality social policy higher
education research and international comparative education.
