Social Inequality and Academic Achievement Gaps in Developed Countries

• In Event: Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Division L Section 7 Poster Session

Abstract

International comparisons of cognitive skills suggest that equitable educational performance is just as important as high performance. Therefore, minimizing achievement gaps between wealthy and poor students is important for countries’ economic growth. This study offers a cross-national examination of the relationship between achievement gaps and societal-level inequality. Our preliminary results suggest that developed countries with the smallest achievement gaps are likely to have higher performing low-SES students, and equally high performing high-SES students. As such, countries with more equitable achievement are better situated for economic growth. As the study is further developed, we plan to identify societal characteristics that help explain cross-national differences in achievement gaps. Our work has implications for social, economic, and educational policy.

Authors

• Kristie J.R. Phillips, Brigham Young University

• Lance Erickson, Brigham Young University

• Mikaela J. Dufur, Brigham Young University

• Chrisse Edmunds, Brigham Young University