Staying Ahead of the Game: Extracurricular Activities and Inequalities in Educational and Occupational Attainment over the Life Course

Abstract

This dissertation examines the role of extracurricular activities in the reproduction of social inequality, focusing on how participation in structured, organized activities outside formal schooling may amplify or mitigate advantages associated with family background. Through three empirical studies, this dissertation explores how participation in extracurricular activities in childhood and adolescence contributes to unequal outcomes beyond unequal participation. The first study investigates how the cognitive skill benefits of extracurricular participation vary by social background, showing that adolescents from highly educated families derive greater advantages, reinforcing existing inequalities. The second study examines the long-term effects of extracurricular participation, revealing that early engagement has lasting impacts on educational and labor market outcomes. The third study explores the role of social networks, demonstrating that friendships formed through extracurricular activities differ by educational track and can influence academic trajectories. Together, these studies highlight the complex ways in which extracurricular activities shape inequalities. By broadening the focus beyond formal education, this dissertation contributes to understanding the mechanisms that sustain or reduce social inequalities across the life course.