Socioeconomic status and educational inequality: digital competency pathways to creative problem-solving and academic performance.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The digital divide extends beyond technology access to create educational inequalities through differential competency development, where socioeconomic advantages enable sustained digital engagement that enhances creative problem-solving. Grounded in social cognitive theory and digital divide frameworks, this study examines how socioeconomic status (SES) influences student outcomes through competency-mediated pathways that enhance creative problem-solving and academic performance.

Methods

Two studies in China examined competency pathways using structural equation modeling. Study 1 analyzed PISA data (N = 16,148) measuring SES, digital use, digital competency, and creative problem-solving. Study 2 (N = 558) additionally assessed academic ranking.

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12852326 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature