Abstract:
This review study aimed to analyse and synthesize the available findings on effects of socioeconomic
status on the development of neural networks and plasticity of the brain. Adopting
an approach to discuss the diagnostic and clinical significance of effects of Socioeconomic
Status (SES) on the individual’s cognitive neuropsychological development, this study began
by understanding the definitions on associated main terms, synthesizing the research in the
designated research area as well as emphasizing the preventive value of abnormal
developmental aspects of an individual. Finally, the paper examined the possibilities of
improvement suggestions on individuals with disadvantaged socioeconomic status. The
analysis and the synthesis of the available studies showed that living in a disadvantaged lower
socio-economic Status, affect the developing brain networks of the children negatively causing
higher level of insufficiencies as well as disparities in number of cognitive functions. Among
those cognitive functions which are negatively affected by lower SES, Language, Executive
function, Working Memory, Intelligence becomes the highest vulnerable areas. Further, it was
identified in this research that, in line with the concept of neural plasticity, the affected brain
areas due to exposure to lower level of SES, can be improved through psychological and
developmental interventions. Comparison studies on higher SES and lower SES children
groups show that implementing intervention programs will benefit despites the devastating
effects of SES as well as disadvantageous genetic makeup. But, addressing them is highly
beneficial during the sensitive periods.
