Education inequalities in Latin America and the Caribbean

Education is a crucial asset for a country’s economic prospects and for its inhabitants. In addition to its direct impact on income and economic growth via the accumulation of human capital, it is also a critical ingredient in producing an informed citizenry, enhancing each person’s ability to obtain and exert human and political rights and as well as their ability to adapt to changing environments among other benefits.

The ‘Working Paper’ that we present today talks about this, which is written by Carme Pagès Serra, member of the Management & eLearning (MeL) research group, together with Raquel Fernández, Miguel Szekely and Ivonne Acevedo. The paper was published in National Bureau of Economic Research in 2024.

Methodology and objectives

In this study, educational inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean is analyzed, both in terms of quantity and quality, and how that inequality is related to the family context is examined. The methodology involves analyzing data from PIAAC and PISA, using statistical models like Logit models with survey weights to estimate educational outcomes based on parental education levels and other variables.

Results and conclusions

The results show that in Latin America, although the average years of education have increased in all countries, educational quality, measured by PISA scores of 15-year-old students, remains low compared to other regions. Parental education plays a crucial role in children’s education, with a significant relationship between parents’ educational level and the likelihood of children obtaining secondary and tertiary education.

Additionally, there are marked differences in PISA scores between public and private schools, and attendance at private schools is highly socioeconomically segregated. This educational inequality contributes to inequality in other aspects, such as wages, where returns to education remain high in the region. Finally, it is important to note that the relationship between education and inequality has many dimensions, and although this study addresses key aspects, others remain to be explored.

Consult the study

You can consult the full study by clicking here.