This research is set within the context of the Kenyan Public Universities, where with
the changing student population dynamics, students are increasingly choosing to
combine parenting with studies. Many of these student parents both male and
female have had to negotiate the academic requirements as well as the burden of
parenthood. Such a study is important at this time of privatization and liberalization
of higher education in order to open up public discourse on the provision of higher
education and the effect on the socio-economic status of the students. Using
qualitative research analysis based on socio-educational, socio cultural as well as
socio-economic status (SES), a study was designed and conducted with the question
posed: What are the socio-educational approaches of public universities with respect
to student parents. Eighteen (18) interviews of ten (10) university officials and eight
(8) student parents formed the research sample. Qualitative research questions
were prepared in an in-depth interview guide and a focus group questioning route.
Data revealed that there are students both male and female who are actively
parenting in the public university and that they face role conflict and financial
challenges which impacts on retention and completion rates of students in the public
university. The research argues that there is need to create awareness of socioeconomic
status (SES) in the university approach to inclusiveness of all students as
well as student parents. Recommendations based on this study should be helpful as
guidelines for a model on guidance for student parents as well as documentation of a
clear policy on approaches or support for student parenthood in the public university. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Socio-Education)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/8774 |
| Date | 06 1900 |
| Creators | Mwangi-Chemnjor, Charity |
| Contributors | Maseko, Jabulani Solomon |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (238 leaves), application/pdf |
| Rights | University of South Africa |
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