In the present book, and attempt has been made to find out the effects of social disadvantage and maternal employment on the cognitive development and scholastic achievement of primary school children. The study involved a 2 X 2 factorial design in which both the factors were between the factors. The data was analyzed with the help of bivariate ANOVA and Scheffe text. Results revealed that socially disadvantaged fourth grade Oriya medium primary school children, irrespective of maternal employment status, were found to be inferior to their classroom academic achievements. Analysis of data also reveal that no systematic and significant effect of maternal employment status, irrespective of social dimension, on the cognitive abilities of children, except the RCPM and in which the children of employed mothers were found to be superior to the children of unemployed mothers. It is hoped that this book will be of immense importance for all those involved in educational planning, psychological studies and other allied subjects.