The effect of socio- cultural norms on girl students’ performance in primary schools: a case of Kisarawe district in the coast region

The study aimed at finding out the magnitude of the effect of socio-cultural norms on girl-students’ performance in primary schools. The study attempted to answer three questions; (i) what types of socio-cultural norms practiced in Kisarawe district and is likely to influence academic underdevelopment? (ii) How do these norms affect the performance of the girls in primary schools? And (iii) what is the magnitude of the socio-cultural norms in affecting performance on the girl-student in primary schools. The study was conducted in Kisarawe District, Coast Region whereby 233 respondents were involved in 15 wards of the District. It was a case study which employed documentary review guides, questionnaires, interview schedules, observation and discussions. Methodology employed by the study was qualitative in approach. Findings of this study uncovered that; socio-cultural norms contribute to about 60% in influencing academic performance on the girl-students in primary schools. It was also disclosed that economic factors contributed to about 30% of the influences. It was also revealed that a large number of the girls were harassed sexually, hence contributing to unexpected and pre-marital pregnancies amongst girls in primary schools in Kisarawe District. There were 179 pregnancy cases in the period 2004 —2009. It is recommended in the light of the findings among other things that all primary school stake holders should work close as a team to mitigate the problems pertaining to girls' education.