The Value of Words: Literacy and Economic Security in Canada

Author

Vivian Shalla, Grant Schellenberg

Organization

Statistics Canada

Published

1998

Summary

The study is divided into three chapters. The first examines the relationship between literacy
and economic security or well-being (expressed in different measures of income), taking into
account the mediating effects of the labour market. The analysis suggests that literacy skills do
have an influence on labour market status as well as on earnings, income, and the risk of becoming
economically disadvantaged. The findings point to a strong link between literacy skills and labour
market success. However, when gender is taken into account, the relationship between literacy
skills and labour market outcomes is less clear.

The second chapter explores the link between economic security and the practices of literacy.
A focus on practices is important because literacy skills are not static, but are sustained and
strengthened through continuing education, training and other forms of practice. Our findings
suggest that adults living in low-income households engage relatively less in practices that would
help develop their literacy abilities, both on and off the job.

In the third chapter, we explore the relationship between parents’ economic security and
their literacy-enhancing practices and activities, as well as those of their children. The analysis
shows a connection between household economic status and intergenerational literacy. Economically
disadvantaged parents and children tend to participate somewhat less in literacy-enhancing activities
than those who are better off.

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Source: Consumer Policy Research Database