Monday, November 6, 2017

How does the mass imprisonment of fathers effect their own children's educational outcomes?

How does the mass imprisonment of fathers effect their own children's educational outcomes? The National Longitudinal Study if Adolescent Health and collections of educational data from school transcripts were used to assess the effects that incarcerated fathers had on their child's performance in school. Children grades 7-12 were sampled within 132 US schools. The findings suggest that incarceration of parents are negatively and significantly associated with educational attainment of children. If a child has a parent in prison, they are more likely to perform negatively in school. These children experience limited access to academic accomplishment. They are less likely to give effort if they feel like they have no one, no one is there to care or support them. It is important for teachers and school faculties to know acknowledge these effects. If a teacher is aware of this, they can then proceed in giving the child extra help and more sincere attention. Everyone should be aware of this, not just teachers. If a community knows why a child is suffering and is in need of love and support, the child will have a higher chance at succeeding. The more knowledge people have of why people do what they do, the better the world would be. It leads to a better understanding and more accepting world!

Hagan, John and Holly Foster. 2012. "Inter-generational Educational Effects of Mass Imprisonment            in America."Sociology of Education 85(3): 259-286.