School Dropout of Girls as A Correlate to Socio-Economic Conditions in Mukono Town

ABSTRACT This study investigated school dropout of girls as a correlate to socio-economic conditions in Mukono Town. This was after the realization that many girls supposed to be in school were not attending school. The challenge was how to identify the causes for their not being in school even when it was obvious that there were many schools in the area. The study was guided by the following specific objective: to find out the factors for school dropout among girls in Mukono Town. To achieve this objective, the study was guided by the following research question: what factors cause school dropout among girls in Mukono Town? The study was qualitative and conducted using a case study design and purposive sampling technique. A sample of 50 respondents was selected for the study. The sample included politicians, government and non governmental organizations (NGOs) officials, students, activists, academics, mothers, teachers, educationists and opinion leaders. The data were collected using interviews and observations [for primary data] and documents analysis [for secondary data]. . Data analysis began with the editing of the data of errors. This was then followed by the qualitative analysis of the data. This involved content analysis, literal description and narration of the emerging issues out of which authentic conclusions were made. The results showed that the cause of school dropout among girls in Mukono Town was a result of a combination of factors that were social, economic, school and cultural. These perspectives constrain girls education especially in socially and economically disadvantaged families in Mukono Town. These particular factors produce lower educational outcomes for girls in general. The study concludes by noting that the school dropout of girls as a correlate to socio-economic conditions in Mukono Town will for the years to come persist not until the causes that are deeply rooted in the economic and socio-psyche of the society in Mukono Town are addressed. Consequently, the education gap between the girl and boy child will persist and widen. The study recommends the need for strengthening of the family values, the screening for adverse childhood experiences [particularly domestic violence exposure] and devoting greater academic and social service resources to supporting the vulnerable girl-child from the causes and effects of school dropout. In addition, further research may seek to explore more specifically the role of girl-child protection and other girl-child interventions. Those small efforts will add up to produce more friendly homes and hence the nation and advancement of the girl-child education.