As an educator I am acutely aware of the emphasis placed on educational institutions to promote social and economic mobility. However, research from England suggests life chances are in many ways determined before educators have an opportunity to change the outcome for children born into poverty. If the research is to be believed by the time most children reach school, life’s race for many of us has been determined.
The earliest stages of life, yes pregnancy, followed by the first two years of life are critically important factors in determining children’s life chances, including social and economic mobility, according to an analysis in England. The cohort analysis indicates by three years of age, and certainly by age five, life outcomes of children are clearly stamped. The economic and social class gaps are not closed for children born into poverty.
The full report can be found here.
Reference
Field, Frank. (2013). The Foundation Years: Preventing Poor Children Becoming Poor Adults. The Report of the Independent Review on Poverty and Life Chances. London, England: HM Government, Cabinet Office.