Contexts of disadvantage

This report uses data from the first five waves of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) to examine the association between family, neighbourhood and school level disadvantage and children’s cognitive and social outcomes.
The authors found substantial differences in social and emotional problems according to whether children experienced family, neighbourhood or school level disadvantage. At all ages, the influence of family disadvantage on the social and emotional development of the child was much stronger than the influence of neighbourhood or school disadvantage.
Much of the association between disadvantage and child cognitive outcomes could be attributed to the indirect influence of disadvantage on the home environment, particularly on how much time and effort was spent by parents on activities that stimulate children’s cognitive skills.
This report is published on the Department of Social Services website
Number 53 –Contexts of Disadvantage
Further reading
Describes a new study that aims to fill gaps in the research literature concerning the influence of home-child care discontinuities on children.
This book shows that most mothers, fathers and children appear to be living productive personal and family lives six years after separation.
Explores the prevalence of different types of family environments, and the influence of these environments on children's developmental outcomes.
Paper presented at the Conference of Marriage Counselling Organisations held in Canberra, 16 February 1982.
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