School dropout of girls as a correlate to socio-economic conditions in Mukono town
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Date
2018-09
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College/School of Education
Abstract
This study investigated school dropout of girls as a correlate to socio-economic conditions in
Mukono Town. This was after the realization that many girls supposed to be in school were not
attending school. The challenge was how to identify the causes for their not being in school even
when it was obvious that there were many schools in the area. The study was guided by the
following specific objective: to find out the factors for school dropout among girls in Mukono
Town. To achieve this objective, the study was guided by the following research question: what
factors cause school dropout among girls in Mukono Town? The study was qualitative and
conducted using a case study design and purposive sampling technique. A sample of 50
respondents was selected for the study. The sample included politicians, government and non
governmental organizations (NGOs) officials, students, activists, academics, mothers, teachers,
educationists and opinion leaders. The data were collected using interviews and observations [for
primary data] and documents analysis [for secondary data]. . Data analysis began with the editing
of the data of errors. This was then followed by the qualitative analysis of the data. This involved
content analysis, literal description and narration of the emerging issues out of which authentic
conclusions were made. The results showed that the cause of school dropout among girls in
Mukono Town was a result of a combination of factors that were social, economic, school and
cultural. These perspectives constrain girls education especially in socially and economically
disadvantaged families in Mukono Town. These particular factors produce lower educational
outcomes for girls in general. The study concludes by noting that the school dropout of girls as a
correlate to socio-economic conditions in Mukono Town will for the years to come persist not
until the causes that are deeply rooted in the economic and socio-psyche of the society in
Mukono Town are addressed. Consequently, the education gap between the girl and boy child
will persist and widen. The study recommends the need for strengthening of the family values,
the screening for adverse childhood experiences [particularly domestic violence exposure] and
devoting greater academic and social service resources to supporting the vulnerable girl-child
from the causes and effects of school dropout. In addition, further research may seek to explore
more specifically the role of girl-child protection and other girl-child interventions. Those small
efforts will add up to produce more friendly homes and hence the nation and advancement of the
girl-child education.
Description
Keywords
School dropout, Socio-economic conditions