Social marginalisation and academic performance: a multigroup SEM analysis of key factors underlying inequality in Danish public schools

Abstract

This study's purpose was to analyse key factors underlying social marginalisation and academic performance. The 2017 data from the Danish PLM survey (N = 42,703) were analysed which contained responses by students (grades 4-10), parents, and class teachers. Multigroup structural equation modelling was applied to explore anticipated gender differences. Two critical factors were identified that were associated with reduced levels of social marginalisation: 1) the degree of teacher support; 2) the strength of the parental community. Finally, the study indicated that girls, and students at lower grade levels, tend to experience greater social marginalisation.