Class-based preschool enrolment-social stratification and quality differences in the Swedish preschool market

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Author
Forsberg, H., Waddling, J., Fjellborg, A. A.
Year
2023

Purpose

The study investigates how social class differences influence choice of kindergarten in Sweden, as well as which types of kindergarten various social groups prefer The study aims to analyse whether children in different types of kindergartens (municipal and private) meet different levels of structural quality, including factors such as staffing and staff background. The researchers also want to uncover how market mechanisms in the Swedish kindergarten system affect fair access to high-quality kindergarten provision.

The research questions are:

  1. To what extent do different social groups enrol their children in kindergartens operated by municipal and private actors?
  2. To what extent do children in these different kindergartens meet different levels of quality, measured by structural factors such as kindergarten size, staff allocation and employee background?

Result

The results show clear class-based patterns in the choice of kindergarten. Upper and middle social classes prefer private alternatives, while the working class is over-represented in municipal kindergartens. Private kindergartens often have more employees, but fewer qualified educators. Children in municipal kindergartens more often encounter educators with higher levels of education, while children in private kindergartens are more likely to meet staff with a Swedish background. The study concludes that the Swedish kindergarten system, although publicly funded, shows clear differences in quality and class-based choices.

Design

The data include registry data from 510,000 children and 122,000 families. Using descriptive statistics, patterns of over- and under-representation were analysed. Quality indicators such as kindergarten size, staff coverage and employee background were investigated.

References

Forsberg, H., Waddling, J., & Fjellborg, A. A. (2024). Class-based preschool enrolment-social stratification and quality differences in the Swedish preschool market. Education Inquiry15(1), 104–125.

Online year: 2023

Issue year: 2024

Review year: 2023