L'influence de certains facteurs socio-demo- graphiques sur 1'experience universitaire d'un echantillon de diplomes

Résumé

The aim of this article is to examine the relation between some socio-demographic factors and university education. A survey of Universit6 de Montreal graduates, divided for study purposes in two cohorts, the classes of 1965-69 and those of 1970-73, was conducted during the second part of 1973. Questionnaires were sent to 5490 graduates, but only a third were returned. Questionnaires were also sent to a control group, and the findings were not significantly different from those obtained from the other graduates. The chi square has not indicated any relation between either the birthplace or the father's occupation and the graduate's length of schooling or his method of financing. Our respondents graduated in the different university disciplines with- out reference to their family background. Also, no statistical relation was found between the milieu in which the students originated and their reasons for going to university, or for pursuing graduate studies. The percentage of graduates from working-class background has increased during recent years. Higher education has become more accessible, as is also indicated by the growing numbers of female graduates. We may say that university education of women depends on their social role. Changes in this role will tend to diminish the still existing inequalities between the sexes on this level of education. The study also puts in relief the changing structures of Quebec's active man- power.