Abstract
We analyze cumulative, cross-sector investments in U.S. children using data from ten national surveys (2010-2023). We estimate an average per-child investment of $478,612 (2024 USD) from birth to age 18. While total investment gaps by household income and race/ethnicity are modest (6%–14%), investment gaps before age 5 are larger, driven primarily by disparities in child care and housing (upwards of 60% and 30%, respectively). In contrast, formal education and parent and family time (e.g., home-based educational activities, meals) equalize disparities across groups. Public programs close gaps in some investment areas but not others. Further, we find large disparities by income and race/ethnicity in the character of specific investments (e.g., compulsory versus compensatory education, office-based versus emergency health services, whole fruit versus fruit juice), suggesting that the quantity of investments likely masks differences in quality.
Presenters
David BlazarAssociate Professor, Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, University of Maryland College Park, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Investments, Disparities, Race, Household Income
