Work

The association between neighbourhoods and educational achievement, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2015

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Many studies have examined the effects of neighbourhoods on educational outcomes. The results of these studies are often conflicting, even if the same independent variables (such as poverty, educational climate, social disorganisation, or ethnic composition) are used. A systematic meta-analysis may help to resolve this lack of external validity. We identified 5516 articles from which we selected 88 that met all of the inclusion criteria. Using meta-regression, we found that the relation between neighbourhoods and individual educational outcomes is a function of neighbourhood poverty, the neighbourhood's educational climate, the proportion of ethnic/migrant groups, and social disorganisation in the neighbourhood. The variance in the findings from different studies can partly be explained by the sampling design and the type of model used in each study. More important is the use of control variables (school, family SES, and parenting variables) in explaining the variation in the strength of neighbourhood effects.

Source: Journal of Housing and the Built Environment

DOI: 10.1007/s10901-015-9460-7

Authors: Jaap Nieuwenhuis, Pieter Hooimeijer

Institutions: Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Urban, Neighborhood, and Segregation Studies

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Quality education, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190