Family structure and the performance of Brazilian students: An analysis using the oaxaca-ransom methodology with SAEB 2019 Data

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the academic performance of Brazilian students and two- and single-parent family structures. Faced with new family compositions, the prevalence of single-parent families increased by 32 % (2000–2010), according to official statistics (IBGE). Compared to traditional arrangements (two-parent arrangements), aspects related to the time available to monitor children at school are weakened. In addition, single-parent families have lower family income. The methodology chosen was the Oaxaca-Ransom and the dataset was obtained from the SAEB exam using students in their fifth year of elementary school in 2019. A higher average academic performance was observed in the two-parent arrangement when comparing the students in both groups. However, in the analysis of the single-mother segment, a discrepancy was identified regarding favorable performance for the female single-mother segment. Given this, it can be concluded that the family environment affects educational performance. • Single-parent families increased by 32 % between 2000 and 2010, reflecting new family compositions in Brazil (IBGE). • Compared to two-parent families, single-parent households have less time to monitor children and lower family income. • Students from two-parent families showed higher academic performance on average than those from single-parent families. • Single-mother households showed favorable academic outcomes, reinforcing the role of family in educational performance.