Higher education is often associated with the promise of being the surefire road to professional success, but for many students, this path is a rocky one. Their journey is shaped by inequalities tied to factors such as social class and gender. While the number of female students enrolling in universities has risen—sometimes surpassing that of males—the same cannot be said for those who grew up in low-income or working-class families. What are the key differences in how social class and gender influence access to and success in higher education in the U.S. and Germany? How do these dimensions of inequality affect who gets to attend university? What can colleges, universities, and other stakeholders do to help wherever challenges are identified?

This discussion brought together experts from both sides, as they compared the higher education systems in the U.S. and Germany, analyzed the current state of inequality in higher education, and explored its causes, consequences, and potential pathways toward greater equity.

Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Marita Jacob, University of Cologne – Professor of Sociology with a focus on social inequalities in higher education and their mitigation
• Prof. Dr. Claudia Buchmann, The Ohio State University – Professor of Sociology with a focus on gender, race, and class inequalities in education in the U.S. and internationally

Moderator:

• Peter Kerrigan, DAAD North America, Deputy Director and Director of Marketing and Development

Welcoming Remarks:

• Dr. Eva Bosbach, University of Cologne New York Office, Executive Director
• Christian Strowa, DAAD North America and DWIH New York, Director