Influence of cultural capital and economic level on the learning of Mexican students

Hernández-Padilla E.; Bazán-Ramírez A.; López-García D.; Félix-Benites E.; Bazán-Ramírez W.; Gutiérrez-Gómez E. · Frontiers in Psychology (2026) · DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1681122

Resumen

Introduction: The influence of the family’s socioeconomic and cultural level has been one of the most analyzed factors in student achievement. While cultural capital and economic level are linked, previous research suggests they exert differential effects on learning. This study aimed to compare the influence of these two factors on the language and communication achievement of Mexican elementary and middle school students in the Planea test. Methods: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data through path analysis, allowing for a precise comparison of the variables across different educational levels. Results: The findings reveal significant differences between the influence of cultural and economic capital. These effects are associated with the type of school support and the specific educational level of the students. Discussion: In agreement with previous studies, the results suggest the importance of evaluating these factors separately. The magnitude of influence for each factor shifts throughout different educational stages, highlighting the need for nuanced academic achievement assessments. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas; Universidad Nacional del Callao; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Huanta