Family dynamics
This strand of research is concerned with the impact of learning on families and the inter-generational transmission of educational advantage and disadvantage. This includes the links between education, income, parenting and other factors in supporting educational success.
The strand is continuing to provide research of value for the evolution of the new responsibilities in the DCSF in relation to children and families. The Green Paper proposals to bring protective services for children together with educational services in children’s trusts is an opportunity for the integration of activities targeted simultaneously at children’s education and at broader personal development. This will have implications for teacher training and school management as well as for service delivery. WBL is investigating the ways in which these different aspects of child development interact with each other and with social institutions such as schools.
We are continuing to analyse the inter-generational benefits of educational success and we are assessing the extent to which adult learning can also bring about benefits for the next generation. A questionnaire has been funded and developed by the DCSF for parents of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) children. The results of this data collection will be analysed.
Our current research in this area also revisits issues such as parents and children learning together, and the broader consequence of educational participation on family functioning and cohesion, including negative aspects.
