Home Possessions and Student Achievement in the United States: Insights from PISA 2022

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 7:45am
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Statistical Theory, Quantitative Methods and Applications

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between home possessions, a proxy for objectified cultural capital, and student achievement in the United States, using data from the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Drawing on a nationally representative sample of 4,552 15-year-olds, multilevel models were used to analyze the effects of home possessions on mathematics and reading literacy, while accounting for parental education, occupation, immigration status, and family support. Results revealed a strong positive association between home possessions and academic performance in both subjects. Interaction effects showed that this relationship was significantly stronger for students whose parents had post-secondary education. These findings underscore the importance of resource-rich home environments and targeted parental support in addressing persistent achievement gaps in STEM-related disciplines.

Authors

• Latif Kadir, The Ohio State University

• Valerie Ofori Aboah, The Ohio State University