Fragile Families: The impact household and financial instability have on the development of young students and their academic attainment.

Abstract

Despite being one of the most developed countries in the world, the United States has one of the highest rates, globally, of childhood poverty. Poverty is a major contributor to household instability and the failing educational performance and development of students. Factors such as low-socioeconomic status decrease the ability for families to provide basic educational needs to their children such as tutors, school supplies, transportation, and more. Paired with poor support at home, a family's financial status often restricts a child from receiving the best education possible and ultimately decreases their educational opportunities. I'll investigate this question by analyzing the harmful effects household and financial instability have on the development of young students as well as the challenges it presents to their education and future.