Learning and earning: linking literacy and poverty using IALS data on earning: a literature review

The purpose of this literature review is to explore the relationship between literacy and poverty primarily using data from the series of related international literacy assessments, commonly referred to as the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS). IALS data provides extensive information about literacy and related factors such as employment, earnings, education and demographics that can be used to support discussions of literacy and poverty. The literature review has been undertaken as part of a project for the Canadian Literacy and Learning Network to support high-level decision making and contribute to the development of ‘an extensive and collective understanding’ of literacy and poverty in Canada. The following questions guide the literature review and provide its general organization: Does existing research establish clear links between literacy proficiency and earnings? Is the relationship between literacy and earnings equally strong for all groups in Canada, the United States and other OECD countries? Are there other factors at work? If so, what are these factors? What are the policy implications of these links for poverty reduction and reducing earning inequalities in Canada? What are the remaining knowledge gaps and the most promising avenues for future research efforts around these questions?

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