Madeline Duhon

How socioeconomic status shapes parental beliefs about child academic achievement

This article highlights the prevalence of socioeconomic disparities in parental beliefs about their child’s performance – often outpacing actual disparities in academic performance. Analysis using data from India, the USA, Kenya, and Ghana shows that parents with lower socioeconomic status – as measured by household consumption and caste identity – are more likely to think that their child is below average. It explores the factors that could drive these beliefs and quantifies the impact of below-average parental beliefs on educational investment in children. This article highlights the prevalence of socioeconomic disparities in parental beliefs about their child’s performance – often outpacing actual disparities in academic performance. Analysis using data from India, the USA, Kenya, and Ghana shows that parents with lower socioeconomic status – as measured by household consumption and caste identity – are more likely to think that their child is below average. It explores the factor