Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds often face significant challenges when they begin their education. Research by Unity et al. (2013) highlights that these children generally start school with weaker foundational skills compared to their peers from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. This initial disadvantage hampers their ability to catch up with their classmates, making it more difficult for them to succeed academically throughout their educational journey.
The skills gap that exists when these children begin school tends to persist over time. As they progress through their education, the challenges they face can exacerbate their struggles, leading to a continuation of the disparities between students from lower and higher economic statuses. This can create a cycle where the disadvantages that start in early childhood compound, affecting the overall academic performance of these children throughout their schooling years.
Furthermore, research consistently shows that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds achieve less academically than their more affluent peers. This achievement gap is influenced by various factors, including limited access to educational resources, fewer opportunities for extracurricular engagement, and less parental support due to socioeconomic pressures. Ultimately, the systemic issues faced by children from disadvantaged backgrounds create significant barriers to academic success, which can have long-lasting effects on their future opportunities and overall well-being.