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DIVERGING DISPARITIES: RACE, PARENTAL INCOME, AND CHILDREN'S MATH SCORES, 1960-2009.
1University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Sociology of Education
|March 11, 2024
Summary
Racial disparities in test scores persist, even among students with similar family incomes. These Black-White achievement gaps remain significant, particularly for higher-income families, despite some historical decreases.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Education
- Economics
Background:
- The Black-White test score gap has narrowed, while income-based disparities have widened.
- Previous research has largely studied race and income disparities separately.
- This study examines race-within-income test score disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Black-White math test score disparities among students with similar parental income levels.
- To track trends in these disparities from 1960 to 2009.
- To understand the role of family and school factors in explaining these gaps.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three nationally representative datasets of ninth and tenth graders.
- Analyzed math test scores from 1960 to 2009.
- Examined race-within-income disparities, controlling for parental income.
Main Results:
- Significant Black-White math test score disparities exist within same-income groups, favoring White students.
- These disparities have decreased since 1960 but remain large and statistically significant in 2009.
- The explanatory power of common family and school factors for these disparities has declined over time.
Conclusions:
- Parental income does not eliminate racial test score gaps; race continues to play a significant role.
- Structural influences of race, independent of income, impact educational outcomes.
- Further research is needed to address the persistent, income-netting effects of race on academic achievement.
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