Educational Gaps in Latin American childhood: Regional Inequality in Learning Deprivation with Local Modulations

Abstract

This research is a secondary analysis of a multivariate dataset coming from a large-scale assessment, coordinated by UNESCO in 15 Latin American countries (LAC), which was carried out for estimating the level of learning achievements of students at the end of primary education. The objective is to estimate the lack of quality in education across the region, based on the sociological concepts of absolute and relative deprivation, through a new learning deprivation index, as well as to offer robust evidence on the deep inequalities in learning outcomes among groups of population. Main results show strong evidences on how big gaps in learning outcomes are associated with socioeconomic status of students, pointing out that the profound lack of equity in LAC has become structural inequality beyond borders. This study establishes three milestones in educational research using the best available data. First, provides a direct method for estimating learning deprivation. Second, intra-and inter-country inequality is estimated from comparable socioeconomic deciles at regional level. Third, it was found that the intensity of learning deprivation, as a function of the SES, has an interplay with the wealth of the country and it is not possible to apply same strategies in all countries for developing inclusive and equitable educational for all.