Modernization Theory and Changes Over Time in the Reproduction of Socioeconomic Inequalities in Australia

Abstract

Modernization theory argues that, as societies industrialize and further develop, the influence of social background and other ascribed characteristics on educational and socioeconomic outcomes declines, while achievement in the education system becomes more important. The purpose of this research is to investigate propositions derived from modernization theory as they apply to Australian society during the second half of the 20 th century. Specifically, these are (1. declines in the influence of socioeconomic background on education, occupation and earnings; (2. increases in the occupational and economic returns to education; and (3. decreases in gender inequalities in all three outcomes. These propositions are examined using data from nationally representative surveys conducted from 1965 through 2005. In accordance with modernization theory, it was found that the effects of socioeconomic background on education, occupational attainment and earnings have declined. Gender inequalities in education have been reversed, and the gender gap in earnings has declined. The effect of education on occupational attainment has increased more strongly among men than women. Contrary to expectations from one interpretation of modernization theory, the returns in earnings from education have not increased.

Understanding the persistence of inequality in higher education: evidence from Australia

“…According to DEEWR (2011), 24 per cent of university students were aged 25 years or more in 2010. Our results confirm those of other studies conducted in Australia and overseas on the impact of socio-economic status on higher education participation and attainment (Marks 2009b;Chapman and Ryan 2003;Pfeffer 2008) and the benefit to women from the expansion of higher education (Chapman and Ryan 2003;James 2007;Marks 2009b). …”

Modernization Theory, Then and Now

“…Gary Marks (2009) analyzes changes in the reproduction of socioeconomic inequalities in Australia. He starts with a key proposition of modernization theory, that as societies industrialize, the influence of social background and other ascribed characteristics on educational and other socioeconomic outcomes declines, and achievement in the educational system becomes more important.…”

Why poor children are more likely to become poor readers: The school years

“…In some studies, just one or two of these components is used as a measure of SES (Sirin, 2005). Overall, PISA studies find a medium positive correlation (approximately 0.3) between parent occupation and reading literacy scores, putting it within the range of correlations that are typically found for SES and school performance in empirical studies since the 1960s (Coleman et al, 1966;Jencks et al, 1972;Marks, 2009;OECD, 2010).…”