Unraveling school segregation causes and effects towards an Italian urban model

Associated investigator (Head of the Unibo research unit): Debora Mantovani   

School segregation regards the uneven distribution across schools of pupils based on socioeconomic, ethnic or other features and is one of the most evident expressions of educational inequalities since it can have significant effects both on the chances of social mobility of individuals and on spatial equality. Grasping the dynamics that lie behind this phenomenon also provides further knowledge of the relationship between educational inequalities and the territorial distribution of the population. Indeed, school segregation has recently become a relevant topic of investigation in Italy because of the increased immigration flows over the last three decades. The current significant quota of foreign students has highlighted a significantly different distribution of their presence in the school systems. This project aims to analyze if, and to what extent, school segregation is in play in Italian lower secondary schools (this level of education is mandatory and comprehensive) and to understand the drivers and the mechanisms leading to this form of segregation considering both students socioeconomic background and their migratory status.

For this purpose, the research design foresees a mixed-method approach, applying quantitative and qualitative research techniques in an integrated manner. Statistical analyses are used on available relevant micro-data (Invalsi micro-data on students’ learning tests, which also include students’ characteristics, local governments’ school registers, local government data population by neighbourhoods) to estimate segregation and detect some of its ecological drivers. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with some key figures - such as teachers, principals and students’ parents - are carried out to shed light on schools’ policies of distributing students (between schools and within classrooms) and parents’ (lack of) choices in selecting schools.

Members of the Department

Giulia Dugar

Federica Santangelo

Other members