Poverty, Parental Influence, and School Enrolment: A Study of Gender Differences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v6i1.693Keywords:
Poverty, Parental Influence, School Enrolment, Gender Differences, Education Inequality, PakistanAbstract
The effect of poverty, parental influence and school enrolment is explored and the gender difference in school going children in Pakistan is studied. Using a quantitative cross sectional survey design, a sample of 400 public and private school students from both urban and rural areas was selected through stratified random sampling technique. A five point likert scale was used to rate economic conditions, parental attitudes and decision making and enrolment patterns by gender using structured questionnaires. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent-simple t-test and multiple regression analysis in SPSS. Results show that poverty has a strong negative effect on school enrolment and parents' influence a strong positive effect. Gender disparities were significant; barriers to enrolment were greater for girls and the impact of poverty was greater for female students. The effect of economic hardships on enrolment was partially mediated by parental attitudes and decision-making, especially with respect to girls' enrolment. The study concludes that poverty reduction strategies need to be supported by specific interventions to raise awareness of parents, while taking into account gender-based disparities in education.
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