Inequality of Education Opportunities for Young Adults in Russia

This paper addresses the issue of inequality of opportunity in education among young adults in Russia. The Russian household panel data (RLMS) are used. The results are discussed in the context of the current education policy in Russia, such as introduction of the unified state examination at schools, commercialization of education services, and excellence initiatives policies which differentiate public university funding in education. Such factors as gender, education of parents, and living in rural areas are considered as initial conditions that affect the latent variable "capability for education". The outcomes in education are measured as achieved education degree, knowledge of foreign languages and attendance of professional courses. The MIMIC model is used to estimate the inequalities of opportunities. The results show that education opportunities are not equal, and being male and living in rural areas has negative impact on the latent variable, whereas high education of mother has a positive impact. The policies are discussed from the perspective whether they foster the reproduction of social inequalities and marginalize the poor