A new working paper analyzes four large datasets to examine the social gradient in a comprehensive set of social and emotional skills throughout childhood. The study reveals clear differences linked to socioeconomic background.
Social and emotional skills are strong predictors of social relationships, academic achievement, and health-related choices.
Interventions that support students' social and emotional learning have been shown to improve academic outcomes and mental health, suggesting a causal relationship.
Despite the critical role of these skills in children's development and long-term success, few studies have explored how they vary across socioeconomic backgrounds. In contrast, a social gradient in academic achievement is well-documented.
In a new working paper, Mari Rege, Maximiliaan W. P. T. Thijssen, and Henrik D. Zachrisson analyze four large datasets to investigate the social gradient in a comprehensive set of social and emotional skills throughout childhood.
Findings
- A significant and sizable social gradient in social and emotional skills, which is remarkably consistent across samples, assessments, and children's ages.
- A substantial social gap in children's relationships with parents, teachers, and peers. These relationships are strong predictors of both social and emotional skills and academic achievement.
Why does this matter?
The findings suggest that supporting the social and emotional development of children from low socioeconomic backgrounds may be an effective strategy to promote social mobility. More research is needed to identify effective interventions that enable parents, schools, and preschools to better support children's social and emotional development, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
By addressing disparities in these skills, such interventions could provide disadvantaged children with a stronger foundation for life success, thereby reducing social inequalities in academic achievement, well-being, and labor market outcomes.
Curious to learn more? You can access the full paper here: The Social Gradient in Social and Emotional Skills