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Elitism in Higher Education and Inequality: Why Are the Nordic Countries So Special?

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  • Elise S. Brezis

    (Bar-Ilan University)

Abstract

This paper shows that countries with high levels of ‘elitism’ in higher-education are the countries displaying high levels of inequality. In other words, a higher level of ‘elitism’, i.e., large gap in quality of universities, and tight selection in top universities leads to a wider gap in wages between the tradable and service sectors, which leads also to a higher Gini index. This paper shows that the Nordic countries display lower elitism in higher education as well as lower inequality than most of the other OECD countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Elise S. Brezis, 2018. "Elitism in Higher Education and Inequality: Why Are the Nordic Countries So Special?," Working Papers 2018-03, Bar-Ilan University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:biu:wpaper:2018-03
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eric Hanushek & Ludger Woessmann, 2012. "Do better schools lead to more growth? Cognitive skills, economic outcomes, and causation," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 17(4), pages 267-321, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Brezis, Elise & Rubin, Amir, 2025. "Polarization in Higher Education and Technological Leadership," MPRA Paper 124200, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Elise S. Brezis & Amir Rubin, 2024. "Will automation and robotics lead to more inequality?," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 92(3), pages 209-230, June.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions
    • F66 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Labor
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology

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