This paper investigated the socio-demographic elements associated with school attendance among upper secondary school-aged learners in South Africa. This study adopted a quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional design. The positivist research paradigm was applied, and the 2019 General Household Survey data (nationally representative survey) was utilized. The family socialization theory and household production framework were embraced as the theoretical framework in this study. Descriptive analysis and cross-tabulations were conducted, and a Chi-square test was performed to measure the association between school attendance and learners’ characteristics. Furthermore, logistic regression was conducted to explore the factors associated with school attendance. Study findings agreed with the assertions of the family socialization theory and household production framework. The study found that the overall school attendance level was 93.5% and older learners had significantly lower levels of school attendance. High levels of educational qualification of household heads inspired higher school attendance as the odds of school attendance for learners quadrupled when household heads attained secondary education relative to those with unschooled heads (OR = 4.1; p < 0.001). Being a Coloured learner, being part of a large household, being an orphan, and living in a low-income household were associated with reduced levels of school attendance. The study recommends targeting and supporting learners over-aged for their grades, Coloured, and with poor or educationally low family backgrounds via conditional cash transfers to improve school attendance in the South African population.

Authors:
Philomene Nsengiyumva, University of the Western Cape, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Philomene Nsengiyumva. I am a Senior Lecturer and my research interest is education and other demographic issues. My current interest is female migration and access to education in South Africa.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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