Increasing Access to Higher Education and the Reproduction of Social Inequalities: The Case of Roma University Students in Eastern and Southeastern Europe

Stela Garaz & Simona Torotcoi

Abstract

This article explores how elitist elements are preserved within an expanding higher education. It analyzes whether the choice of field of study may be one of these elements and focuses on the case of Roma students in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. The analysis reveals that Roma in the region are not only underrepresented in higher education in general, but also in the STEM fields of study (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). At the same time, Roma are overrepresented in humanities and arts. This has the potential to negatively impact their competitiveness in the job market upon graduation.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10564934.2017.1280334