Factors affecting school dropout: Comparative study of rural and urban settings

Abstract

Education remains the key to development in all countries. Thus, every country is making efforts to promote education for all. However, despite these efforts, the school dropout rate continues to rise. With this in mind, this research is carried out with the aim of analyzing the factors underlying the phenomenon of school dropout in rural and urban areas. Mixed research method was carried out on one hundred and six (106) participants identified using purposive and accidental sampling techniques. Due to the similar characteristics of the population and its unknown size (exact number of students who dropped out in the two municipalities being unknown), it was logical, for statistical reasons, to determine the size of this sample accordingly. Data processing was based on an analytical model inspired by Viau’s (1999) theory of motivational dynamics and Ryan and Deci’s (1985) theory of self-determination. The results research show that a student’s environment necessarily influences his or her school life. School dropout in rural areas, unlike in urban areas, is more influenced by economic factors and those linked to the family circle. The identified specific factors imply policy decisions and interventions tailored to the needs of students in urban and rural communities.

Keywords

• school dropout
• dropout rate
• pupil
• rural environment
• urban environment