Influence of Parents’ Socio-Economic Status on Pupils’ Education in Nsuaem Community, Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of parents’ socio-economic status on basic school pupils’ education in the Nsuaem Community of Western Region, Ghana. Concurrent mixed methods design was used. The population comprised 315 pupils, 15 teachers and 161 parents. The sample size for the study was 208. This comprised 173 pupils, 15 teachers and 20 parents. Data were collected using questionnaire and interview guide. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, and independent samples t-test. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that parents’ economic status had an influence on pupils’ education through the provision of money for feeding at school as well as buying exercise books and pens, textbooks and uniform for school. Also, pupils’ education were influenced by parents’ occupation in a positive way as parents were able to make time to help pupils in their homework, attended school meetings, kept eyes on their children to stay in school and pushed their children to do their best. Further, the social status of parents influenced pupils’ education as this this made parents invest more in the education of their children and encourage their children to excel academically. The study again revealed that parents’ educational level influenced pupils’ education as parents were able to check books of pupils, assist in homework and sign homework. Also, there was a statistically significant gender difference in the influence of economic status of parents on pupils’ education. It was recommended that school authorities should use parent-teacher meetings to encourage parents to financially invest in their children’s education.