Children from lower-income backgrounds tend to underperform at school compared to their peers from higher-income families. Similarly, children of parents with lower education perform worse than children of higher educated parents. What - apart from genes - can explain this?

It's evident that these demographic groups spend their time with their children differently. However, what of the parents’ actions and behaviors have a significant impact on child development? And is it possible to “nudge” parents toward making specific choices about childrearing? What are the costs and benefits of this approach? And how can we determine what children need to become healthy and productive members of society?

Lecture by Ariel Kalil, followed by conversation.

Ariel Kalil is Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy and Director, Center for Human Potential and Public Policy at University of Chicago

Panel:

Torbjørn Røe Isaksen, former Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion, and Minister of Education and Research

Torfinn Harding, professor of Economics, University of Stavanger

Moderator:
Solveig Grødem Sandelson, commentator, Stavanger Aftenblad