Are multidimensional wellbeing inequalities associated with higher education-related aspirations?Evidence from longitudinal data from India, Peru, and Vietnam

Salas F.; Clausen J. · Reconceptualizing Inequalities in Higher Education in the Global South: Capabilities, SDGs and Wellbeing (2026) · DOI: 10.4337/9781035349982.00012

Resumen

This chapter contributes to the literature on the association between multidimensional wellbeing inequalities during childhood and higher education-related aspirations in low- and middle-income countries using longitudinal data from children and adolescents in India, Peru, and Vietnam. A multidimensional wellbeing measure comprising six dimensions was developed to explore how multidimensional wellbeing inequalities at age eight relate to the formation of educational aspirations at ages 12 and 15. By comparing results across India, Peru, and Vietnam, we identify potential contextual patterns of heterogeneity. The findings reveal significant variations in the incidence and structure of multidimensional wellbeing across countries. However, in all three countries, a strong link between childhood multidimensional wellbeing and educational aspirations at ages 12 and 15 was observed. Both low multidimensional wellbeing during childhood and low educational aspirations hinder individuals' ability to achieve their educational goals and access higher education at age 19. © The Editor and Contributors Severally 2026. All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú