The Impact of Poverty on Education

Abstract

This chapter discusses the structures that define childhood in the research areas, particularly the school system, and reflects on the ideas of adults—parents and teachers—on commitment to education. It also deals with the continuing belief in harsh pedagogical methods. ‘Undisciplined’ behaviour is of great concern. Parents and teachers agree that such indiscipline and ill-behaviour among children can only be tackled by punishment. Softer pedagogical approaches, such as the ban on beating, which is official policy, fail to address the wider causes behind disorder and violence in which childhood is embedded. Basic education is supposed to be free, but a wide range of extra fees is administered, leading to exclusion, emotional distress and frustration. Most parents have learned to accept the extra payments and the exclusion from school facilities. The hierarchical social gap which separates them from the teachers makes them subdued. Teachers on the other hand argue that parents have the wrong cultural mind-set and rather spend the money erratically.