Focus Topic for 2020/21
Wissen schafft Karrieren?
Soziale Herkunft und Chancengerechtigkeit in der Wissenschaft
(Careers in academia? Social background and equal opportunity in academia)
In 2020, under the title “Wissen schafft Karrieren? Soziale Herkunft und Chancengerechtigkeit in der Wissenschaft,” we will be taking a closer look at the relevance of social background for university careers from a variety of viewpoints, such as an academic perspective, and using various approaches, such as the exchange of thoughts and ideas, a discussion forum, and empowerment. Always open to new findings, always interested in stories and facts of topical relevance, always as equals— we create opportunities for conversation and generate impetus for doing things differently. The topic for 2020 is a cooperative partnership between the Hamburg Research Academy and the conference of equal opportunity and women’s affairs reps at Hamburg universities (Landeskonferenz der Gleichstellungsbeauftragten, LaKoG).
Career opportunities are dependent on parental status
Three-fourths of all students at German universities have at least one parent with a university degree. The number of “first-generation students” (i.e., the first members of their family to attend a higher education institution) is consistently under 30%. Clearly, opportunities for a path to higher education still strongly depend on the educational status and income of a student’s parents. There is a high probability that children will follow the same educational track as their parents.1 This begins with a student being recommended for a high school educational track that will lead to university admission, extends through their acceptance to a university degree program, and ends with their decision for or against a career in academia. Between 2001 and 2010, for example, 38% of all newly appointed professors in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia came from the highest social class and only 10% from the lowest.2 When the immigrant background of school students is taken into account, social origin plays an even greater role than for individuals without an immigrant background.
Welcoming address by patron Katharina Fegebank
Second Mayor and Senator for Science, Research, and Equal Opportunity
Almost 20 years following what became known as the “PISA shock” it remains true that in Germany, education and careers depend strongly on social background, not talent, industriousness, endurance, curiosity, or personal potential for development. According to a study conducted by the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies, 79 out of 100 children of parents with university degrees also begin university studies, whereas only 27 out of a 100 children from families without university experience will do so. Of those, only 15 go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.
This is not only unjust, nor is it only those in question who suffer: for example from fewer career opportunities, lower income, statistically greater risk of being unemployed. It is also a larger economic loss when we forgo the potential of talented people. It is in the greater public interest that each and every individual realize their full potential. Modern societies need well-educated specialists. They depend upon education, science, research, innovation,and people who strive for the highest possible level of qualification.
Thus, I am delighted that the Hamburg Research Academy’s current Wissen schafft Karrieren series is dedicated to the topic of social justice and equal opportunity in academia. The (analogue and digital) events will reveal the structural disadvantages at play and encourage young people to go their own way, even if no one in their own family has taken this path before.
Due to the corona crisis, many of the program’s exciting activities had to be postponed, and it would appear the entire season may have to be extended into 2021. This makes sense, for now more than ever we need to ensure that social divides do not grow larger.
I warmly thank the Hamburg Research Academy and the Hamburg Conference of Equal Opportunity and Gender Equality Officers in Higher Education (LakoG) for their commitment!
Katharina Fegebank, patron
Second Mayor and Senator for Science, Research, and Equal Opportunity
