Family dynamics and SES gap in child's educational attainment: a comparative perspective

Anne Solaz , Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED)
Alex Sheridan, Ined
Thorsten Schneider, University of Bamberg
Jascha Draeger, University Leipzig
Jane Waldfogel, Columbia University
Sarah Kwon, Columbia University
Elizabeth Washbrook, University of Bristol
Valentina Perinetti Casoni, Bristol University

This paper aims to study the role of family structure dynamics along childhood in explaining SES inequalities in child cognitive outcomes (maths and reading skills). Using several harmonised, longitudinal and nationally representative surveys that allows to observe children along their primary and secondary school in four high-income countries (UK, US, France and Germany), the paper provides new evidence on inequalities in family dynamics by parental education. As family disruption is generally associated with fewer resources for children and may affect educational attainment, we explore whether growing up outside a two-parent family may mediate the SES inequalities in child educational gap in cognitive scores along primary and secondary school, and whether this relationship is observed in all countries. First results show a social gradient in family dynamics in the four countries. Children with less educated parents are more likely to experience a family disruption or recomposition during primary school. The social gradient of family transitions is weaker however at lower secondary school ages than in primary. In France, children who know a family transition during primary or secondary school perform worse in school, although there is heterogeneity depending on post-separation arrangements. However, family structure does not mediate much of the increasing SES gap in reading and maths scores along primary and secondary school. We are now replicating these results in three other countries to measure the possible role of family structure dynamics as a mediator of SES inequality along childhood.

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 Presented in Session 24. Consequences of childhood family for adult life courses