Abstract

CERVINI, Rubén. Urban Child Labor and Mathematics Achievement in Basic Education. A Two-level Model. RMIE [online]. 2005, vol.10, n.25, pp.451-480. ISSN 1405-6666.

This study investigates the relationships between child labor and the mathematics performance of seventh graders in urban areas. An analysis is made of data from the Operativo Nacional de Evaluación de la Calidad de la Educación (National Evaluation of Educational Quality) carried out in 1997 by Argentina’s National Ministry of Culture and Education, concerning students enrolled in the seventh year of basic general education. The file includes Argentine 1,283 schools and 30,630 students. A specific indicator of the intensity of child labor is constructed, based on the place and amount of daily work. The statistical technique of “linear hierarchical models” with two levels (students and school) was used. The effect of child labor on scholastic achievement is estimated, after controlling the socioeconomic level, family culture and context. Conclusions are established and discussed.

Keywords : school achievement; child labor; basic education; mathematics; equal opportunities; Argentina.

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