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The Burden of Comparison: Relative Socioeconomic Position and Adolescent Socioemotional Development

Author

Listed:
  • Gambardella, Giulia

    (University of Perugia)

  • Ben Lenda, Ilham

    (University of Trento)

  • Mangiavacchi, Lucia

    (University of Perugia)

  • Piccoli, Luca

    (University of Trento)

Abstract

This paper examines how an adolescent's relative socioeconomic status (SES) within their school influences their socioemotional development and well-being. Although peer effects on academic outcomes are well-documented, less is known about how an individual's socioeconomic rank among peers shapes non-cognitive skills. Using PISA 2022 data and a school fixed effects model, we investigate the relationship between two measures of relative SES—Socioeconomic Rank and Socioeconomic Gap—and a range of outcomes, including socioemotional skills, self-esteem, and attitudes toward school. Our results show that higher within-school SES rank is significantly associated with better socioemotional skills, greater well-being, and stronger academic motivation. We also find important heterogeneity by gender and migrant background. These findings highlight that an individual's relative socioeconomic position, beyond absolute resources, plays a critical role in shaping adolescent non-cognitive development.

Suggested Citation

  • Gambardella, Giulia & Ben Lenda, Ilham & Mangiavacchi, Lucia & Piccoli, Luca, 2025. "The Burden of Comparison: Relative Socioeconomic Position and Adolescent Socioemotional Development," IZA Discussion Papers 18060, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18060
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. James J. Heckman & Tomas Jagelka & Tim Kautz, 2019. "Some Contributions of Economics to the Study of Personality," Working Papers 2019-069, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.
    2. Del Bono, Emilia & Etheridge, Ben & Garcia, Paul, 2024. "The economic value of childhood socio-emotional skills," ISER Working Paper Series 2024-01, Institute for Social and Economic Research.
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    JEL classification:

    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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