Abstract
Lithuanian government attempts to create equal opportunities for children who are brought up in different economic, social, and cultural conditions. The income of the majority of Lithuanian citizens still falls behind the European average. This study aims to examine the effect of household income on the choice of non-formal education activity of children and the costs of participation in sports. A questionnaire survey was public used on a website. Vilnius households (Ʃ = 136) were those whose 3-7 years old children were enrolled in non-formal sports activities. The survey aimed to find out the effect of household income on the selection of children’s non-formal sports education. Results showed that the importance level of a sports club, the sport, or activity selection criteria are more expressed in families with lower income. Survey revealed the annual (nine months) ten categories of expenses incurred by parents. The average parental costs for children’s sports activities per nine months amount to EUR 550, consisting of the membership fees and other costs. Parents tend to finance children’s non-formal education through sport irrespective of household income, i.e., parental predispositions towards their children’s participation in sports are much stronger compared to incurred expenses on sports activities.
Highlights
Children and Youth Socialization Program (2010) states that children and youth have limited possibilities to participate in educational activities they prefer and enjoy purposeful and meaningful leisure due to the difficult economic situation in Lithuania
This study aims to examine the effect of household income on the choice of non-formal education activity and the costs of participation in sports
Local policymakers and managers of physical activity and sports services should be aware of the necessity to calculate consumer spending in sport
Summary
Children and Youth Socialization Program (2010) states that children and youth have limited possibilities to participate in educational activities they prefer and enjoy purposeful and meaningful leisure due to the difficult economic situation in Lithuania. Lithuanian government attempts to create equal opportunities for children who are brought up in different economic, social, and cultural conditions. According to the survey conducted by Žygaitienė and Stankevičienė (2015), one-fourth of parents make non-formal education arrangements for their children and give priority to sports activities. A study by Adaškevičienė and Strazdienė (2013) revealed that after-school sports activities and exercising are very important for children because through the sport they lay the foundations for a healthy lifestyle, gain knowledge about human beings as social and biological creatures, learn to combine studies and active leisure. Children’s non-formal education is mainly financed by local authorities in Lithuania.
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