Reducing Stereotype Threat to Narrow the Socioeconomic Achievement Gap (Poster 44)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Social Processes and Stereotypes

Abstract

This study investigates how socioeconomic status (SES) impacts academic performance through the lens of stereotype threat, contributing to the broader goal of educational remedy and repair. Using a working memory task with 191 primary school students, we discovered that higher SES students outperformed their lower SES peers only under conditions of stereotype threat. When evaluative pressure was minimized, SES had no significant impact on performance. These results highlight the potential of reducing evaluative pressure as a strategy to mitigate stereotype threat effects, thereby narrowing the socioeconomic achievement gap and promoting more equitable academic outcomes.

Authors

• Margaux Martin, University of Franche-Comté

• Marie Mazerolle, Université de Franche-Comté

• Laurence Picard, Université Marie et Louis Pasteur - France