Listen
Photo: 123RF
New research from the Growing Up In New Zealand longitudinal study shows how much easier it is for families to fall into disadvantage than it is to claw a way out.
The research was based on information from over 5,000 children whose families have been involved in the study from pre-birth, through to when the cohort were 8-years old.
It's part of a bigger piece of work by the Productivity Commission into economic inclusion and who experiences persistent disadvantage.
The Growing up in New Zealand data shows twice as many children in the cohort experienced downward mobility -- toward disadvantage -- rather than upward mobility.
This was due to a range of factors including income, housing, and access to early childhood education.
Dr Kate Prickett is a lead researcher for Growing Up in New Zealand and Director of Roy McKenzie Centre for the Study of Families and Children at Victoria University.
She says the data shows children need to be given support before they're born, or they'll experience disadvantage throughout their lives.