CONFERENCEThe role of education and time spent in education: intergenerational differences across regions and the urban–rural divide in Latvia
Zaiga Krisjane 0000-0002-3422-1958
University of Latvia
Maris Berzins 0000-0002-5773-3307
University of Latvia
E-mail: zaiga.krisjane@lu.lv
DOI:
Keywords: population geography, education, duration of education, regions, population density
Abstract
This study analyses geographical differences in educational attainment and social mobility based on educational attainment among adult residents and their parents in Latvia, thereby contributing to the research on the geography of education. The paper highlights the significance of education in shaping professional skills and examines the variations in average time spent in education and achievement between parents and their adult offspring across regions and urban system in Latvia. The proportion of the working-age population with higher education continues to grow. Similar to other European countries, the results obtained in Latvia confirm that a higher level of education is an important prerequisite for higher professional qualifications and better opportunities in the labour market, while also promoting higher income levels and the well-being of the population. The results of the study show a close link between the levels of education of parents and children: people whose parents have higher levels of education are significantly more likely to have higher levels of education themselves. Simultaneously, notable geographical disparities have been identified. Riga and its suburban areas, as well as other major cities and regional towns, exhibit higher educational attainment and extended average time spent in education. Despite a gradual increase in social mobility in Latvia, where children are progressively achieving higher educational levels than their parents, pronounced differences remain between urban and rural areas and between the capital city of Riga and non-metropolitan regions.