EFFECTS OF POLYGAMY ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN TOWNSHIP WARD, TURKANA CENTRAL SUBCOUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Polygamy is considered both in developing and developed countries as a determinant of child schooling performance. Empirical findings from developed countries consistently confirm that the trade-off between reduced parental involvement and education exerts negative pressure on academic performance. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of parental involvement in polygamous families on the academic performance of public primary pupils in the Township Ward of Turkana Central Sub County. The study was anchored on Structural Functionalism Theory because of its explicit exposure to how family socialization as a basic social unit builds on the well-being of the future of the individuals in society. The study adopted mixed methods research design. The target population was 42763 comprising 21374 primary school pupils, their 21374 parents, and 15 head teachers in the Township Ward of Turkana Central Sub County. The researcher adopted a purposive sampling technique in selecting the pupils and the head teachers who participated in the study. Quantitative data was collected using close-ended questionnaires from pupils and polygamous parents while qualitative data was collected from the headteachers using interview schedules. Quantitative data analysis techniques included percentages and mean. Study findings were presented using frequency distribution tables. Qualitative data was analyzed through categorical themes. The study revealed that reduced parental involvement affects negatively the academic performance of pupils in Turkana. The study also revealed that the percentage of educated mothers and fathers from polygamous families is as low consequently leading to a low parental involvement in the child’s academic work. In light of the findings, the study proposed recommendations to various stakeholders to formulate policies that will ensure local leaders unite and launch a robust community sensitization campaign on the importance of parental involvement in the studies of their children.