Opportunity Structure

Definition of Opportunity Structure

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Opportunity Structure: A shortened phrase referring to the notion that opportunity, the chance to gain certain rewards or goals, is shaped by the way the society or an institution is organized (or structured). The opportunity for girls to succeed in mathematics may be structured by the fact that all of the mathematics teachers are men, all teachers tend to discourage such an endeavor or suggest that girls are not good at this subject. There may be a sexist structure in the school which shapes opportunity.

Opportunity Structure: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Opportunity Structure. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada