A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DRIVERS BEHIND PRIMARY SCHOOL DROPOUTS

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic drivers behind primary school dropouts, identifying them as a critical barrier to achieving universal primary education and sustainable development goals. Utilizing a mix of quantitative datasets and qualitative interviews, the research examines how household and community-level factors influence school retention. Key findings indicate that poverty remains the primary catalyst for dropout, with low-income families’ often viewing education as an unsustainable economic burden. This financial strain is frequently compounded by the incidence of child labor, where children are withdrawn from school to contribute to household earnings or chores. Social determinants, particularly parental illiteracy and low educational attainment of the household head, significantly increase dropout risks, as these parents may perceive formal education as "unfruitful" for their children's future. Additionally, the study highlights gender-specific drivers: early marriage and household responsibilities disproportionately affect girls, while boys in urban areas face higher risks of entering the informal labor market early. Logistical factors such as long distances to school and inadequate school environments further exacerbate these trends. The analysis concludes that addressing primary school dropout requires a holistic policy approach, including the elimination of school fees, the provision of targeted monetary incentives for impoverished families, and community awareness programs to shift parental perceptions of education.