Educational Transitions After the Fall: Re-enrollment in Educational Pathways and Social Class in Spain

This study explores the role of the Compensatory Advantage (CA) mechanism in shaping educational trajectories among individuals who have dropped out of the education system. While previous research has shown how social class acts as a safety net for students within the system, we examine whether CA operates in secondopportunity systems, focusing on re-enrollment pathways. Using nationally representative data from Spain, Our findings reveal that social class significantly influences post-dropout trajectories. Higher maternal education mitigates the impact of poor academic performance, increasing the likelihood of favorable outcomes such as vocational training (VT) progression and reducing the risk of permanent dropout. Notably, students from higher-educated families are more likely to pursue VT pathways over traditional academic routes, reflecting a strategic response to academic setbacks. These findings underscore the persistence of social inequalities in secondopportunity systems and highlight the need for more inclusive re-enrollment policies that address disparities in access and outcomes.