International Migration and the Academic Performance of Mexican Adolescents. Issue 2 (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jensen, Bryant; Giorguli Saucedo, Silvia; Hernández Padilla, Eduardo
• Is Part Of: International migration review. Volume 52:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 559
• Page End: 596
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Emigration and immigration -- Periodicals; 325.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0197918318781827
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-9183

Abstract

We analyze path models of a nationally representative sample of Mexican adolescents in 2008 to explore how migration variables interact with school retention to shape their migration plans, effort in school, and achievement on a standardized measure of Spanish literacy. Among other findings, we discover that more immediate plans are associated with lower performance for students considering migration and that this relationship varies by family socioeconomic status. We also find that parent migration exposure negatively affects achievement for some groups. We interpret findings in terms of structural inequalities in Mexico and conclude with recommendations to enrich academic learning opportunities for children and youth within migrant families and communities.