Research article | Open Access
International Journal of Educational Researchers 2025, Vol. 16(2) 49-64
The Impact of Parents' Socioeconomic Status on Students’ Educational Success in Senior High Schools in the Northern Region of Ghana
pp. 49 - 64 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/ijer.2025.1320.3
Publish Date: June 30, 2025 | Single/Total View: 0/0 | Single/Total Download: 0/0
Abstract
The study examines the impact of parental socioeconomic status (SES) on students’ academic performance in selected senior high schools in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study was grounded on the Resource Theory and the Family Investment Model. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 313 students through structured questionnaires and analysed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and ANOVA. The results reveal a significant relationship between SES and academic achievement. Parental income, education, and occupation were positively correlated with student performance, with parental income showing the strongest correlation (r = 0.62). Students from high-SES backgrounds had higher average scores in Mathematics (65.4), English (68.5), and Science (66.7) compared to those from low-SES backgrounds (Mathematics: 48.1, English: 49.8, Science: 49.2). Multiple regression analysis showed that parental income (β = 0.41, p = 0.000) was the most significant predictor of academic success, followed by parental education (β = 0.35, p = 0.000) and parental occupation (β = 0.28, p = 0.000). ANOVA results confirmed significant differences in academic performance across SES levels (F = 35.89, p = 0.000). The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to bridge educational disparities. The study recommends scholarships, parental education initiatives, conditional cash transfers, community learning centres, and broader socio-economic reforms, to bridge the academic performance gap between high- and low-SES students. Addressing these socioeconomic barriers can enhance educational equity and improve student outcomes.
Keywords: Socioeconomic Status, Academic Achievement, Students, Parental Engagement, Parental Income
APA 7th edition
Iddrisu, H.M., & Alhassan, A.S. (2025). The Impact of Parents' Socioeconomic Status on Students’ Educational Success in Senior High Schools in the Northern Region of Ghana. International Journal of Educational Researchers, 16(2), 49-64. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijer.2025.1320.3
Harvard
Iddrisu, H. and Alhassan, A. (2025). The Impact of Parents' Socioeconomic Status on Students’ Educational Success in Senior High Schools in the Northern Region of Ghana. International Journal of Educational Researchers, 16(2), pp. 49-64.
Chicago 16th edition
Iddrisu, Hassan Mubarik and Abubakari Sadik Alhassan (2025). "The Impact of Parents' Socioeconomic Status on Students’ Educational Success in Senior High Schools in the Northern Region of Ghana". International Journal of Educational Researchers 16 (2):49-64. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijer.2025.1320.3
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