The Impact of Parental Socioeconomic Background on the Schooling and Academic Performance of Students in District Dir Upper: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Children’s schooling is important for their personal growth and plays a vital role in socioeconomic development of a nation. Parents’ socioeconomic background plays a vital role in shaping children’s schooling and impacts their academic achievement. Children of the upper class parents have enough resources available for fulfilling the requirements of their studies, while children of poor parents have lesser resources to support their education. This study aims at empirically diagnosing the relationship between parental socio-economic background and children (students) schooling and academic achievements. The study was conducted in Tehsil Dir of District Dir Upper, while applying qualitative research deign. The primary data was collected from a sample of twenty four (24) purposively selected respondents. The respondents comprised of two different categories i.e. 12 students selected from Class X to Class XII from the Govt. Higher Secondary School Gandigar Dir Upper and 12 Parents including 06 from poor family background and 06 from rich family background. Primary data was obtained through interview, using semi-structured interview guide. The study found that children of poor parents are not performing well in their academic career as they have lesser opportunities and resources. They also remain absent from school to help their parents in agriculture field, business and homework etc. Further, the study revealed that rich parents have positive impacts on the academic achievements of their children. The study suggests provision of equal educational opportunities to children of both poor and rich families. The study also suggests supporting the poor students with scholarships, technical and free education so to avoid widening the existing gap among rich and poor students.