Educational Inequality: A Country-Level Comparison Between OECD and Non-OECD Countries

Educational Inequality: A Country-Level Comparison Between OECD and Non-OECD Countries

Economics

Anika Maheshwari and Abhi Koria

2022

This study investigates the determinants of educational inequality between OECD and non-OECD countries using data from the PISA 2022 dataset. By focusing on factors such as parental education, perceived socioeconomic status, food security, and access to digital devices, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of how these variables impact student performance in mathematics, science, and reading. The methodology includes multiple regression and ANOVA analyses to explore relationships between independent variables and educational attainment. The findings suggest significant disparities: students in OECD countries generally achieve higher scores, have better access to digital devices, and experience less food insecurity compared to their counterparts in non-OECD countries. Correlation and regression analyses further highlight that while digital device access is crucial across both regions, food insecurity has a pronounced negative effect on student performance in non-OECD countries. The study underscores the broader socioeconomic inequalities that influence educational outcomes and suggests targeted interventions to address these disparities. The study concludes by outlining both theoretical and practical implications and suggesting directions for future research.