Gender, class and aspirations: How the out-of-school children (OOSC) see the world and themselves

Date of Award

2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Philosophy in Education (MPhil Ed.)

First Advisor

Dr Farid Panjwani

Department

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Abstract

Socioeconomic status has been a major driving force in access to formal schools. It not only hinders individuals from attending formal school but also excludes them from full participation in the social, economic and cultural life of society. In addition, gender has been a conflicting factor when studied from an educational point of view. Females are stopped from attending formal school and are expected to carry out household chores. They are deprived of their due rights, which limits their aspirations. Therefore, it is necessary to study the reasons why children are outside of school and what they themselves think about their conditions. This research explores children’s own views on socio-economic conditions and gender differences in society. I used exploratory qualitative research with 75 out-of-school children, using an Art Based methodology, the Draw and Speak test, and Focused Group Discussions. The study found that children are out of school due to poverty, the need to care for siblings at home, teachers’ miss conduct, and gender discrimination, among many reasons.  It was also found that children understand the socio-economic differences within society which affect their education. They also have also witnessed that they have been discriminated against in society. Finally, all these elements have limited their participation and lowered their life aspirations. This research provides a strong foundation for policy makers, government bodies, and NGOs to support out-of-school children where help is needed.

First Page

1

Last Page

84

This document is available in the relevant AKU library.

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