Understanding Parental School Choice in Varied Socio-economic Milieus: A Case Study of a Village in Punjab

Abstract

With the upsurge of private schools, parents are struggling with a variety of schooling options. Given the exclusionary nature of privatisation, the market has led to the reproduction of social inequality amidst a plurality of choice. By mapping the school choice process, the article aims to explore school choice in the varied socio-economic milieu in a village in Punjab. Based on the qualitative data collected with the help of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), the study draws linkages between the determinants of school choice and the positionality of parents. The findings of the study dissect the simple yet complex process of school choice along common factors, that is, teachers, quality of education, learning environment, English education and private tutoring. Drawing upon the nuanced analysis of these factors with parental socio-economic background, the study argues that it is important to understand the varied expectations, aspirations and challenges of parents from diverse sections to comprehend the school choice process.