LAUSR

Background A superior family background often provides children with more educational resources and a better learning environment, while poor or educationally deficient families may put children at a disadvantage on the starting line of education. This difference is not only related to the fate of individuals, but also to the fairness and justice of the whole society. Therefore, this study explores the influence mechanism of family background on children’s education level and the moderating effect of socioeconomic status. Methods Based on the data of China General Social Survey in 2021, a total of 4592 samples were selected. Principal component analysis model, hierarchical regression model and hierarchical linear model were used to verify the relationship between family background, socioeconomic status and children’s education level. Results (1) Family background has a significant positive impact on children’s education level (β=1.266; p < 0.001). (2) Socioeconomic status positively regulates the influence of family background on children’s education level (β=0.274; p < 0.001). Specifically, even if the parents’ education level is low, families with high socioeconomic status can make up for their disadvantages through economic investment, or obtain scarce educational resources through social relations. On the contrary, even if parents are highly educated, they are limited by economic constraints or lack of social capital, and it is difficult to translate family cultural advantages into actual educational investment (such as inability to bear the cost of extracurricular training or inability to obtain admission to prestigious schools), which limits the improvement of children ‘s education level. (3) Regional and urban-rural differences significantly affect the allocation of educational resources. Conclusion Family background affects children’s education level and is regulated by socioeconomic status. At the same time, regional and urban-rural differences affect the distribution of educational resources. We call for attention to the construction of family background and encourage families to create a good educational environment for their children. Increase investment in education for families and regions with lower socioeconomic status, and promote the balanced distribution of educational resources in different regions and between urban and rural areas to promote educational equity.