Two-generation effects of maternal tertiary study

The study explored four child-related outcomes reported by mothers who have undertaken tertiary study as mature students. These were: changes in maternal aspirations for the child's education, changes in mothers' ability to help with schoolwork, perceived changes in the child's educational aspirations, and perceived behaviour changes in the child. Changes in all four areas were reported. Further analysis showed that certain characteristics of mothers were associated with greater child-related changes. Mothers who had failed to complete secondary school were significantly more likely than others to report increased aspirations for children and an increased ability to help with schoolwork. Mothers who reported larger increases in their own intellectual abilities since commencing study also reported greater change in their children, as did single mothers. The findings are interpreted as illustrating the increase in human capital that can become available to children when mothers increase their own level of education.