Examining the impact of ethnic diversity and income inequality on educational inequality from the SDG10 perspective

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effects of ethnic diversity and income inequality on educational attainment inequality in European Union countries. A spatial regression model was employed using annual data for the period 2010–2019. The results indicate that ethnic diversity, income inequality, higher education enrolment, sectarian diversity, and EU membership duration are positively associated with educational attainment inequality, whereas economic growth, education expenditure, and internet access reduce educational attainment inequality. The turning point analysis further confirms an inverted U-shaped relationship between ethnic diversity and educational attainment inequality. By contrast, although the estimated coefficients for EU membership duration suggest a concave functional form, the calculated turning point lies outside the observed data range, indicating that the positive association gradually weakens as membership duration increases rather than exhibiting a statistically supported inverted U-shaped relationship. The findings provide useful implications for policymakers seeking to reduce educational attainment inequality across European Union member states