​

ABSTRACT

This study attempts to explain the effects of parental socioeconomic status on the delinquent behaviour of students. The best amount of a communication and structure the family provides, the more likely the child will engage in delinquent activities. Data for this research were collected using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings suggest that family structure indeed plays a role in the production of juvenile delinquency. Recommendations were made, part of which is, parent should watch for early signs of maladjustment like stealing by violence, aggression, and truancy to prevent these from developing into delinquency.     

CHAPTER ONE

1.0   Introduction

Education not only provides knowledge and skills, but also inculcates values, training of instincts, fostering right attitude and habits. According to Muhammed and Muhammed (2010) they are of the opinion that, cultural heritage and values are transmitted from one generation to another through Education. The responsibility of training a child always lies in the hand of the parents. This is congruent with the common assertion by sociologist that education can be an instrument of cultural change which is being taught from home is relevant in this discuss. It is not out of place to imagine that parental socio-economic background can have possible effects on the academic achievement of children in school. Whatsoever affect the developmental stage of children would possibly affect their education or disposition to it.  

From the beginning, parents have been the major persons involved in raising children in every society that is why the family is recognized as an important agent of socialization.

          Adekeyi (2002) observes that it is mainly through parents’ efforts and abilities that children are socialized to become productive citizens. So, wherever parents possess the resources and skills, and apply them effectively and joyfully in raising their children the entire society benefits. This brings joy and pride to the nation, and encourages development and peaceful co-existence. The children themselves feel good and bring happiness to their parents and the whole community.

          In view of this, the influence of parental socioeconomic status on the academic achievement, of students become an indispensable factor in the wheel of progress. It is a fact that parental background influences students’ academic achievement either positively or negatively. A well-to-do family will have positive interest in the education of their children.

          The effect of parental socioeconomic status on students’ academic achievement in secondary schools has been a problem for the past decades and must not be left to chance. The aim of this research work is to find out the effects of parental socioeconomic status on the delinquent behaviour of students. Ezewu (2003).

1.1   Background of the Study

          There has been a growing concern over the steady rise in crimes involving juveniles during the last few years in particularly in the urban areas. In the past months, the public had been shocked by reports of youth behaving badly from assaulting classmate on camera to rape, drug abuse, robbery, and even murders. There were 6,048 crimes committed by juvenile offenders in 2006 compared to 5,114 in 2007, and 2,394 crimes in 2005, compared to 1,662 in 2004, and these were categorized as violent crimes, such as rape, molest, and armed robbery Hochchild and Scovronicity (2008).

          The rising statistics of juvenile delinquency is a serious concern across the globe. In many homes where discipline is strictly adhered to, parents efforts in maintaining discipline is concentrated, and thus, enable the children to be good, intelligent, obedient, and be able to contribute in a small measure their own quota to the development of their society.

          Moral decadence has almost become a mark of the youth. There seems to be an absence of a sense of value of these things which are traditionally thought to be noble. Drug addictions have also found its way into thriving among our youths, and this has really affects the performance of students in various schoo1s (2005).

          This problem often contributes to educational wastage. It becomes crucial to teach and instruct the child in the desirable ways as this will have a positive impact on their impressionable minds. In the light of this, both parents and schools have a lot to do in moulding the lives of these young ones because they are the leaders of tomorrow.

          The problem is more seen in Anambra State because of the influence of men and women that are in authority that is, the politicians who make use of youth as touts during campaign, and this has emanated various social problems and juvenile delinquency in our society that are more prevalent. Any discussion on students social and psychological problems, and issues relating to juvenile delinquent would usually resolve around factors and causes such as peers, school system, media, community and families. Among all these factors, family seems to be the main focus, family plays important roles especially in positive development, identity formation, and self concept.

1.2   Statement of the Problem

          The influence of parental socioeconomic status that is, the socio-economic status of parents in the academic achievement of their children have been posing very serious problem to many people in our society. It is argued in some quarters that children from rich parents perform better academically than those children from poor parental background in the classroom situation but some people hold the opposite view by arguing that most of the children from rich families are not serious in schools and are not good academically compared to children from poor and average families.

1.3   Purpose of the Study

          The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of parental socioeconomic status on the delinquent behaviour of students in some selected secondary school in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The objectives of the study specifically include:

1.       Identifying the influence of parental socioeconomic status as it affects the academic achievement of their children.

2.       Carrying out controlled study and investigation on home environment and facilities in these homes for children educational development with special references to Idemili South Local Government Area.

3.       Seeking to suggest the possible solutions to the problem so as to enhance students’ academic performance in schools.

          This research work is premised on this erroneous thinking and misconception in our society. The researcher is therefore poised to make findings to determine whose child performs better academically, and what are the causative agents to this. The researcher will also find solutions to the problems, and suggest ways and methods to eradicate or improve upon the situation for the benefits of the students, parents, schools, educators, and the society as well.

          Hopefully, when parents are once more reminded of their divine and practical responsibilities of their children, our school system and society will be more stable, disciplined, and functional one.

1.4   Research Questions

i.        Is there any significant difference in the academic achievements of students whose parents are of higher socio-economic class and the academic achievement of students whose parents are of low socioeconomic class?

ii.       Is there any significant difference between academic achievement of students from educated parental background and students from uneducated parental background?

iii.      Are there any relationship between the residential area of students and their academic performance?

iv.      What are the causes of poor academic performance of students?

1.5   Significance of the Study

          The topic of this project is to highlight the influence of parental socioeconomic status on the academic achievement of students in secondary schools in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. This study is therefore significant because of the following reasons.

i.        It will highlight the problems associated with students’ performance in school. .

ii.       The result of the study will also uncover the fundamental roles expected of the family in respect to the intellectual training of the child.

iii.      The study will also serve as s source for future research in its area of study.

iv.      The outcome of this study will also be of immense value to the inhabitants of the area in that it will seek to improve the interest of parents with regards to education.

v.       Finally, it is hoped that when this research work is completed, the learners, parents, teachers, Ministry of Education, curriculum planners, government, and the entire society will benefit from the findings by formulating a policy that will bridge the gap between children of high socio-economic status and that of the low socio-economic status in respect of their academic performance in school.

1.6   Scope of the Study

          This study is restricted to some selected secondary schools in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, due to the fact that the researcher cannot go round all the schools.

          For the human resources, only students in senior secondary school serve as the source of data collection.

1.7   Definition of Terms

Family: This refers to a social unit consisting of parents and their children or a set of relatives that are closely related.

Background: Is the circumstances that surrounds something.

Problem: This refers to something difficult to deal with or understand.

Juvenile: This refers to a young person, no longer a baby, but not yet fully grown.

Delinquency: This refers to a criminal or bad behaviour.

Relation: This refers to an existing connections; a significant association between or among things.

Performance: This refers to how well a person does a work.

Student: This refers to a person formally engaged in learning, especially one enrolled in a school or college.

Studying: This refers to the act of making an effort to achieve a result or take into account.