Making Headway in Madrid: Second Generation Aspirations and Expectations in Spain

Abstract

This paper analyses determinants of the aspirations and expectations
among immigrant offspring on the basis of a representative sample of
second generation adolescents interviewed at schools in the metropolitan
area of Madrid. Seven hypotheses are formulated in relation to
status attainment in general and aspirations and expectations in particular.
We present breakdowns of educational and occupational aspirations
and expectations by gender, parental education and school. The
analysis is completed with structural equation models which offer an
integrated theoretical perspective on the causal structure of ambition in
the Spanish context. We examine the consequences of our conclusions
for theory and policies.