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School Outcomes and Neighbourhood Effects: A New Approach Using Data from Finland

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Neighbourhood Effects Research: New Perspectives

Abstract

Studies consistently show that the Finnish educational system is one of the best in the world with only small variations in educational outcomes between pupils and schools. In this chapter, it is argued that these country level observations hide dramatic variations within the country: when educational outcomes are studied for the Helsinki Metropolitan area, large variations can be found between neighbourhoods, schools, and individuals. Recent research suggests that these differences are growing, making the Helsinki Metropolitan area an attractive “urban laboratory” as neighbourhood effects are generally assumed to intensify as socio-spatial segregation increases. The chapter presents a critical commentary on results from a study on neighbourhood effects and educational outcomes, using data for Finland. The chapter ends with the presentation of the design of a new research project funded by the Finnish National Research Council, and the Academy of Finland, to overcome some of the shortcomings of previous research. The study will collect longitudinal data on a large sample of pupils with detailed information about individuals, households, schools and neighbourhoods. This design will allow the use of multilevel models to estimate neighbourhood effects.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This research project is designed with contributions from the whole MetrOP team, which includes in addition to the authors: Project leaders Jarkko Hautamäki (University of Helsinki) and Matti Rimpelä (University of Tampere), and Riittakerttu Kaltiala-Heino, Hannu Oja, Arja Rimpelä, researcher Lotta Alho (University of Tampere); Airi Hautamäki, Mari Vaattovaara, researcher Sirkku Kupiainen (University of Helsinki); Sakari Karvonen, Timo Ståhl, researcher Vesa Saaristo (National Institute of Health and Welfare); Jorma Kuusela (Finnish National Board of Education).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

    Venla Bernelius

  2. Department of Social Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland

    Timo M. Kauppinen

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  1. Venla Bernelius
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  2. Timo M. Kauppinen
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Correspondence to Venla Bernelius .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands

    Maarten van Ham

  2. , Centre for Housing Research, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, KY16 9AL, Fife, United Kingdom

    David Manley

  3. , Urban Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8RS, United Kingdom

    Nick Bailey

  4. , The Cathie Marsh Centre for Census and S, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom

    Ludi Simpson

  5. , Centre for Housing Research, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, KY16 9AL, Fife, United Kingdom

    Duncan Maclennan

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Bernelius, V., Kauppinen, T.M. (2012). School Outcomes and Neighbourhood Effects: A New Approach Using Data from Finland. In: van Ham, M., Manley, D., Bailey, N., Simpson, L., Maclennan, D. (eds) Neighbourhood Effects Research: New Perspectives. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2309-2_10

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