Socioeconomic status (SES) has a significant impact on educational attainment. Research suggests that variables such as parental education and socioeconomic background play a crucial role in how well students perform in school and their academic success . While SES and parental education levels may not directly affect children’s academic performance, they are considered components of a larger constellation of psychological and sociological factors that do .
Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds often face specific socioeconomic barriers that can hinder their chances of graduating from high school and pursuing post-secondary education . Studies have shown that a family’s low socioeconomic status is the strongest predictor of early school leaving . On the other hand, students who attend schools with a higher average socioeconomic status tend to have better educational outcomes .
Socioeconomic status is not solely determined by income but also encompasses educational attainment, financial security, and subjective perceptions of social status . It is measured by a combination of social and economic factors, including household income, parental occupation, parental level of education, and other indicators such as the number of books in the home .
The impact of socioeconomic status extends beyond educational attainment and can also affect other aspects of life, such as health outcomes. There is a strong association between socioeconomic resources or social position (including educational attainment) and various health indicators .