Familial and social level inequalities in educational attainment: A qualitative study on Khulna University students

Abstract

This study aims to explore the familial and social level inequalities in educational attainment in tertiary-level education. The study employed a qualitative approach with a sample size of 14 by following in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Purposive sampling was used in this research. Primary data were collected from February to April 2024 by using an IDI semi-structured interview guide and a KII checklist. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the qualitative data. The results revealed that most participants' parental socio-economic status was unsatisfactory. The findings of this present study disclosed that both male and female students faced different inequalities regarding educational attainment. However, female participants faced different sorts of familial and social level inequalities compared to males. This study disclosed some familial-level inequalities, such as disparities in expectations, educational assistance distribution, emotional support, and family involvement in schooling. Additionally, they faced some social-level inequalities like socioeconomic status, race, sex, society perceptions, and community stereotypes. The findings have implications for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders. Providing financial aid, scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and increasing awareness regarding the importance of girls’ education can help minimize these types of inequality.

Keywords

• Education
• Familial inequality
• Social inequality

Supporting Institution

Khulna University

Project Number

It was not a project paper and we did not receive any grant for accomplishing this research. It was a masters thesis paper.

Ethical Statement

Ethical clearance was taken from the Research and Innovation Centre (RIC) of Khulna University, which I have uploaded as a document. The ethical clearance number was KUECC-2024-05-36.

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