Distribution of educational attainment in Australia

Abstract

Skills, occupation and income are all influenced by the level of education attained and education is a fundamental force behind intergenerational mobility and the reduction of disadvantage. While there is a large literature on the relative distribution of income (especially in relation to income inequality) and occupational segregation, there are far fewer studies analysing the distribution of education across different social groups, different economic or geographic regions or its evolution over time. Differences in the educational profile of social groups and regions, however, can be substantial and understanding their evolution is crucial for understanding other aspects of social mobility and labour market dynamics. This paper uses the 14 years of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey to analyse the distribution of educational attainment and disparities among sub-populations and regions. Adapting measures used in the income inequality studies we also document changes in educational distribution since 2001. Finally, using several scalar measures of educational distribution we also provide some indication of the importance of various macroeconomic factors in shaping the distribution of educational attainment.