Social Background and Academic Performance Differentials: White and Minority Students at Selective Colleges

Posted: 29 Feb 2008

See all articles by Douglas S. Massey

Douglas S. Massey

Princeton University - Department of Sociology

Date Written: 2006

Abstract

This article uses the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen (NLSF) to study the continuing consequences of segregation. Data show that minority students from segregated backgrounds attended substandard schools, received lower quality instruction, were exposed to higher levels of disorder and violence, and were less prepared socially for campus life. Minority students also experience higher levels of stress within their social networks while at college. Operating through these intervening variables, segregation significantly depresses minority academic achievement.

Suggested Citation

Massey, Douglas S., Social Background and Academic Performance Differentials: White and Minority Students at Selective Colleges ( 2006). American Law and Economics Review, Vol. 8, Issue 2, pp. 390-409, 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1097900 or http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/aler/ahl005

Douglas S. Massey (Contact Author)

Princeton University - Department of Sociology ( email )

Princeton, NJ
United States

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