The role of parents’ socioeconomic status on a child’s school achievement

Abstract

This bachelor’s thesis is a literature review of the current research regarding the role of parents’ socioeconomic status on their child’s school achievement. The aim of the research is to provide insight into which factors affect the role of parents’ socioeconomic status (SES) on their child’s school achievement and how significant this role may be. This thesis has one research question, which is: What role does the socioeconomic status of parents have on their child’s school achievement?

The factors related to the socioeconomic status of parents and the school achievement of the child this thesis deals with are the resources the parents can allocate to their children, the development of a child’s personality through SES, the genetics passed down via SES, the involvement of the parents in their child’s education, the educational background of the parents, the cultural and social capital of the parents, and finally protective factors that the child may have. These aspects are all based on what current research defines as the most significant factors. Special emphasis is placed on role of the educational background of parents, as it is seen to be one of the most significant determinants of one’s socioeconomic status and the parental involvement, as it has been extensively researched.

This topic is important from both a societal and educational perspective. The aim of this thesis is to educate its readers, especially teachers and educators, about the impact of this topic on students and, by increasing understanding of the topic, to alleviate its effect on increasing inequality and social reproduction. The educational attainment of a child is an important determinant of a child’s future prospects and opportunities and it is important for educators to be aware of the multiple ways in which it affects the school achievement of a child.