Education in Pakistan: Are low-cost private schools closing the gender gap?

Abstract

The focus of this research is to explore the educational outcomes of low-cost private schools (LCPSs) against public schools in Pakistan and whether they have any significant impact in correcting for the prevailing gender biases in the education system. In an attempt to advance the literature on the experience and outcomes of LCPSs and particularly on female students in Pakistan, this research has employed a rigorous quantitative approach by using various statistical tests to build up suitable econometric models. The findings show that boys are more likely to attend LCPSs than girls which further widens the gender imbalances in educational institutes. However, the research also reveals, if given a chance to attend LCPSs, female students academically outperform the male counterparts. The research further point to the fact that educated parents chose LCPS and father’s level of education has stronger impact on the choice of schooling.