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Elites: origin, education, destination

Author

Listed:
  • Stéphane Benveniste

    (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, AMSE - Aix-Marseille Sciences Economiques - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - ECM - École Centrale de Marseille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Alice Pavie

    (LEST - Laboratoire d'Economie et de Sociologie du Travail - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, LIEPP - Laboratoire interdisciplinaire d'évaluation des politiques publiques (Sciences Po) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po, CREN - Centre de recherche en éducation de Nantes - UM - Le Mans Université - Nantes Univ - UFR LL - Nantes Université - UFR Lettres et Langages - Nantes Université - pôle Humanités - Nantes Univ - Nantes Université, Nantes Univ - Nantes Université)

Abstract

What are the key forces behind elite reproduction, and how do highly prestigious educational institutions contribute to them? This article uses the analytical framework of the Origin-Education-Destination (O-E-D) triangle to examine the dynamics specific to elites. Drawing on a synthesis of international research in sociology and economics, three key dimensions are explored. First, educational expansion has reinforced stratification, shifting competition toward access to the highest tiers of higher education—especially elite institutions, which serve as bastions of social reproduction. Second, this elite education ensures graduates substantial socio-economic returns. Third, access to elite status does not depend solely on educational credentials: the opportunities associated with a given degree vary according to social origin, and some individuals reach elite positions through alternative pathways outside education. This review concludes that education remains a central mechanism for perpetuating social hierarchies and securing access to the elite.

Suggested Citation

  • Stéphane Benveniste & Alice Pavie, 2025. "Elites: origin, education, destination," Post-Print hal-05537627, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05537627
    DOI: 10.3917/anso.252.0248
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