School Dropout by Gender in the European Union: Evidence from Spain

The aim of this paper is double, to describe the scope of high school dropout in Spain in comparative terms with Europe and to provide empirical evidence about its main determinants from a gender perspective. Using data from the Eurostat LFS for 1996-2009, the study makes evident a singularity for Spain: the important gender disparity at school. The multivariate statistical analysis shows that for females the academic performance, father's nationality and mother's educational level are the most determining factors in their education demand decisions. For males, father's occupation and labour market conditions are the most significant influences.