The Effects of Economic Instability on Secondary School Students in Zimbabwe: A Case of a Province

Tapfuiwa J Katsinde
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Tapfuiwa J Katsinde: Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 7, 204-226

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to analyse the effects of economic instability on secondary school students in decentralised secondary schools in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2017. Previous studies in Zimbabwe and elsewhere have shown that students in secondary schools were negatively affected by economic instability. This study adds to this literature by using habitus as a conceptual framework. This was a qualitative study which made use of a multi-case research design. Data was collected using focus group discussions, interviews and document analysis. Eight research sites in the form of secondary schools in four districts were used. Data analysis was done using theoretical prepositions guided by research objectives and research questions. Data presentations was characterised by quotes of participants. Trustworthiness based on dependability, credibility, transferability and conformability formed the basis of quality assurance measures. The study revealed that economic instability had negative results in the field of secondary schools in the province. Economic instability negatively affected learning activities of students. In addition, economic instability affected secondary school students psychologically. Economic instability affected relations among the students and other secondary school actors by aggravating already existing contestations amongst them. In addition, students had a shortage of resources to use in schools. Economic instability worsened school dropouts and the problem of child marriages. More worrying was that secondary school students had shortage of food due to economic instability. The study has shown that decentralised secondary schools found it difficult to solve the problems introduced by economic instability especially when the instabilities occurred within the difficulties of the broader Zimbabwean context. It is therefore recommended that students in decentralised secondary schools should be assisted with counselling services and resources to withstand economic challenges. Further similar research is recommended for other provinces in the country.

Date: 2024
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