The impact of socioeconomic status (SES)

Defining Socioeconomic Status

One of the most important characteristics on which students differ from one another is social class, which has a profound impact on their educational experience.

Sociologists define social class, or socioeconomic status (SES), in terms of an individual's income, occupation, and education.

Generally, SES is measured as a combination of a person's income and years of education because these are the easiest factors to quantify.

It is critical to understand that social class indicates much more than income level; it also carries with it a set of behaviors and expectations.

Furthermore, it is crucial to remember that definitions of social class are based on these economic and educational factors, and never on race or ethnicity.

The Effect on School Readiness and Performance

A student's social class background has a profound effect on their attitudes and behaviors within the school environment.

Students who come from working-class or lower-class backgrounds are less likely to enter school with certain basic knowledge.

For example, these children are less likely to know how to count, how to name the letters of the alphabet, or how to cut with scissors properly.

As a consequence of this lower initial preparation, these students are, on average, less likely to perform well in school than middle-class children.

This achievement gap can persist throughout the school years if effective support and early intervention programs are not implemented.

Family Involvement in School

Another observed effect is that parents of students from lower classes are less likely to have close relationships with teachers.

Likewise, these parents are less likely to be extensively and consistently involved in the different activities and processes of their children's school. children.

This lower participation can be due to multiple factors, such as demanding work schedules or less familiarity with the education system, among other possible barriers.

The lack of a strong connection between the family and the school can negatively affect the support that the child receives in their learning process.

A Matter of Averages, Not Absolutes

It is of utmost importance to keep in mind that all of these differences we have mentioned are true only when speaking of statistical averages rather than individual cases.

Many working-class and lower-class parents do a truly exceptional job supporting their children's success in school.

In the same way, a large number of children who come from low-income backgrounds are capable of achieving a very high level of academic achievement.

Social class is a risk factor that influences the odds, but it is by no means a destiny that is set in stone for an individual.