title: Self-Esteem and the Reproduction of Social Class.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although prior research has demonstrated the multiple pathways through which socioeconomic attainment occurs, one unexplored avenue regards the role of psychological mechanisms such as self-esteem in this process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using three waves of data from the National Survey of Families and Households (N= 1,952), we employed structural equation models to examine the relationship between parenting practices and attitudes, socioeconomic status, offspring's self-esteem, and the likelihood of offspring college attendance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Self-esteem was positively related to the likelihood of offspring's college attendance. Additionally, self-esteem was found to be a modest mediator of the relationship between parental educational expectations and parental income, respectively, and the likelihood of offspring completing or being currently enrolled in college.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-esteem may constitute one previously unconsidered mechanism for reproducing the class structure in the United States.
authors.affiliation: Brigham Young University.
authors.forename: Spencer L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: James
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Paul R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Amato