Analysis of the effect of educational mobility on trust in political institutions

The presented work intends to demonstrate the relationship between educational mobility and institutional distrust, with two more specific aims that delve into the subject. Firstly, it seeks to understand the intergenerational mobility patterns in Europe by analysing data from the European Social Surveys (round 9), which provide insights into the educational levels of respondents and their parents; this analysis allows for a clear understanding of upward or downward mobility levels. Next, the study investigates the level of trust in institutions across European countries based on the level of mobility, particularly focusing on whether upward educational mobility has a positive impact on trust in institutions. The Round 9 of the ESS, which emphasizes fairness and justice, includes variables that measure trust levels in seven institutions (Parliament, Legal System, Police, Politicians, Political Parties, European Parliament and the United Nations), enabling an examination of attachment levels among those who have experienced mobility in their educational trajectory. To analyse these factors, the Diagonal Mobility Model will be employed, allowing us to understand the impact of individuals able to move up or down the educational ladder compared to their parents. This will be realized by estimating the weight of parents’ educational level and the respondents’ educational level and predicting estimated values of trust for mobile members, taking into account control variables that may affect the level of trust. The results will shed light on the potential positive effect of upward educational mobility on trust in political institutions. By establishing a connection between upward educational mobility and trust in institutions, this research provides valuable insights into the positive outcomes that can be achieved through prioritising educational opportunities and promoting social mobility.