Effects of Socio-Economic Status (SES) on Academic Performance of Pupils in Cameroon

Abstract

The academic performance of pupils in Cameroon is influenced by a variety of factors, including their parents’ socio-economic status. Socio-economic status (SES), which encompasses income level, educational attainment, and occupational status, is very important in shaping a child’s learning environment, access to educational resources, and overall school performance. Despite efforts to provide universal primary education in Cameroon through initiatives such as the Free Primary Education Policy, significant disparities persist in educational outcomes, particularly in low-income and underserved communities. This study seeks to investigate the drivers of academic performance in Cameroon. Specifically, the study is aimed at investigating the effects of SES on academic performance of pupils in Cameroon. To attain this objective, cross sectional secondary data are collected from the PASEC survey conducted across 10 Francophone African countries is employed. The data collected were then analysed through descriptive statistics and robust Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). The findings revealed that SES has a strong positive effect on the performance score of pupils in Cameroon, indicating that improvements in SES correlate with better performance. For the control variables, functional library, multimedia hall, school fence, infirmary first aid, infirmary, portable water and electricity have a significant positive effect on the performance scores of pupils meanwhile recreation ground and other water sources have negative effects on performance score of pupils in Cameroon. The study therefore strongly recommends the need of considering multiple factors that affect the SES of households and addressing systemic issues within the educational system to promote equitable educational opportunities for all pupils. The government should pay more attention on the quality of water and recreational facilities in school campuses. There must be thorough monitoring of these facilities especially when children are playing.