Black-white achievement gap and family wealth

Child Dev. 2008 Mar-Apr;79(2):303-24. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2007.01127.x.

Abstract

This article examines the extent to which family wealth affects the Black-White test score gap for young children based on data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (aged 3-12). This study found little evidence that wealth mediated the Black-White test scores gaps, which were eliminated when child and family demographic covariates were held constant. However, family wealth had a stronger association with cognitive achievement of school-aged children than that of preschoolers and a stronger association with school-aged children's math than on their reading scores. Liquid assets, particularly holdings in stocks or mutual funds, were positively associated with school-aged children's test scores. Family wealth was associated with a higher quality home environment, better parenting behavior, and children's private school attendance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Achievement*
  • Black People*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Family*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Income*
  • Male
  • Parenting
  • Private Sector
  • Schools
  • Social Environment
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • White People*