From Bat Mitzvah to the Bar: Religious Habitus, Self-Concept, and Women’s Educational Outcomes

This study considers the role of religious habitus and self-concept in educational stratification. We follow 3,238 adolescents for 13 years by linking National Study Youth Religion to Student Clearinghouse. Survey data reveal that girls with a Jewish upbringing have two distinct postsecondary patterns compared non-Jewish upbringing, even after controlling social origins: (1) they are 23 percentage points more likely graduate college, (2) from much selective colleges. then analyze 107 interviews 33 comparable origins interviewed repeatedly between adolescence emerging adulthood. Girls raised parents articulate marked ambitious career goals an eagerness new experiences. For these girls, elite higher education school central attaining congruence. In contrast, tend prioritize motherhood humbler employment aims. them, graduating regardless its prestige, is sufficient conclude subculture key factor stratification, divergent paths congruence can help explain why outcomes vary religion gendered ways.