Effects of socio-cultural values on schooling among students in secondary schools in Mkuranga district-Tanzania
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Date
2014
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study was on effects of socio-cultural values on students’ schooling in secondary schools. The specific objectives of the study were: to identify the socio-cultural values existing among people in Mkuranga district, to explore how socio-cultural values affect schooling of secondary school students in Mkuranga district and to investigate the strategies undertaken by education stakeholders in curbing the effects of socio-cultural values on schooling of secondary school students. The study was carried out in Mkuranga district in four community secondary schools. A total of 81 participants participated in this study. The study employed a qualitative approach and a case study design which employed interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review. The data were analyzed by content analysis. It was found that preference of sons, early marriages, traditional dances, initiations rites ceremonies, and polygamies were the common socio-cultural values existing in Mkuranga district. It was also found that female children were more affected by socio-cultural values found in their community compared to male children. This is because some of the socio-cultural values such as initiation rites ceremony led to school absenteeism among female students and eventually school dropout. The study found that traditional dances and initiation rites took most of the students’ school time and eventually led to frequent school absenteeism, irregular school attendance, poor academic performance and early pregnancy. Lastly the study found that provision of education, community sensitization, parents’ involvement and taking legal measures were among the major strategies in overcoming the effects of socio-cultural values on schooling of secondary school students. It was concluded that, some of the socio-cultural values have negative impact on students’ education and female students’ education in particular. The study recommends that local governments should establish by-laws restricting traditional dances, initiation rites and other socio-functions performed during the night which may minimize sexual activities which adversely affect schooling of the students. Education stakeholders should work in collaboration to reduce the effects of socio-cultural practices on secondary school students’ schooling.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library
Keywords
Socio- cultural values, Secondary schools, Mkuranga District, Tanzania
Citation
Rashidi, S. (2014) Effects of socio-cultural values on schooling among students in secondary schools in Mkuranga district-Tanzania, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.