Examines and extends a model to study interconnections among social background, ability, quality and quantity of schooling, and distribution of personal earnings. A sample of male Wisconsin high school graduates was studied through the 14th year following graduation in terms of the economic benefits of return to postsecondary schooling. (Author/AV)

Disadvantages in schooling associated with poorly educated or low status fathers and with large families continue to persist. (Author/DE)

An analysis of the Wisconsin model of achievement asks how powerful this model is in accounting for social influences, aspirations, and attainment when measurement error is taken into account. Revised estimates show support for the Wisconsin model. A revised model is even more powerful for explaining educational and occupational achievement.…

Analyzes M. H. Benin and D. R. Johnson's data concerning reciprocal influence between siblings' educational attainment. Finds unusually low similarity between older sisters and younger brothers. Uses Michael R. Olneck's data to model reciprocal effects between brothers' educational attainments. Finds evidence of reciprocal influence on brothers'…

Presents results of studies comparing the plans and aspirations of African-American and white high school seniors. Reports that both groups' plans followed similar trends during a period when the chances of college entry declined for African Americans. Attributes trends toward more education among African Americans but not whites to favorable…

Maintains that, among black and white men born between 1907 and 1946, family background accounts for at least half the variance in educational attainment. Reports on a study of 14,711 males to determine the educational attainments of men and their brothers among blacks and whites across time. (CFR)