Influence of parental socioeconomic status on academic performances of students studying biology

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of parental socioeconomic factors on the academic performance of students at Akosombo International School in Ghana's South East Region. Specifically, it sought to determine how parental educational level, occupation, and income influence students' performance in biology. The research design employed was a descriptive survey, and a purposive sampling method was used to select 80 students and their parents as participants. Questionnaires and interviews were the main research instruments used, with questionnaires administered to students and interviews conducted with parents. The collected data were analysed using content analysis, frequency tables, and percentages. The findings indicated that parents' educational qualifications, academic achievements, attitude towards education, monitoring of student's progress, and establishment of rules and regulations positively influenced students' academic achievement. Additionally, parental income and financial status, as well as their provision of a conducive learning environment at home and motivational incentives, played a role in students' academic success. Moreover, the occupational status of parents, especially those in higher-level and prestigious professions, and their level of education significantly contributed to students' academic performance. On the other hand, students whose parents were in formal employment and could support their education showed better academic outcomes, while those with parents in informal employment faced challenges.