Student dropout in upper secondary education in Norway: A challenge to the principles of the welfare state?

Abstract

This article presents a review of extant research on student dropout in Norway, originally undertaken as part of a systematic review. The article contextualizes the foundational principle of equality as championed by the welfare state and identifies the significance of dropout in upper secondary education in Norway. The article then assesses whether dropout has been sufficiently addressed, by exploring dropout measures that have been implemented and evaluated. It is argued that although equality of access to upper secondary education has been improved, the enduring significance of student dropout reveals concealed educational inequalities of outcomes in a social democratic 'welfare state'.