The effects of family break-ups

Both math and reading results fall when children no longer live with both parents, both at the end of elementary school and in lower secondary school. This is the result of data from the study “Living in Germany.” However, if we look at children’s entire lives and take into account their abilities before the change in family constellation, the unequal distribution of financial resources is more likely to play a role. According to the researchers, stronger support for family income should be considered in order to close the educational gap, especially during family transition phases.

Further information

Anne Solaz et. al. (2024): Does Family Structure Account for Child Achievement Gaps by Parental Education? Findings for England, France, Germany and the United States. Population and Development Review 50 (2), S. 461-512.

All results in the overview