A Study Of Socio-Economic Status And Academic Achievement Of Tribal Students In Visakhapatnam District

Abstract

Education is a multifaceted process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that contribute for the holistic development of individuals. Its purpose lies not only in the transmission of information; but also in fostering critical thinking, creative thinking, logical thinking and reasoning among the students. It is one of the most powerful instruments of social, economic and cultural transformation necessary for the realization of national goals. It has relevance to the needs and aspirations of the people living in a fast changing society. Education of tribal students is an important task before the Government of India. The Article 46 of the Indian Constitution talks about promotion of educational and economic interests of people belonging to Schedule Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other weaker sections. Many more other constitutional rights are available for tribal people but they fail to utilize these benefits because of their educational backwardness. The education of tribal children can significantly be influenced by different socio-economic factors. There is a gap between school culture and family culture of children, creating a situation of cultural mismatch, resulting into several problems that obstruct education of tribal children. The socio-economic status of tribal students has a direct bearing on their education at secondary level. The present study is an attempt to explore the socio-economic status of tribal students and its impact on their academic achievement. The study was conducted using survey method. The sample of the study consists of 450 students (250 boys and 200 girls) selected randomly from 15 Ashram schools in Visakhapatnam District. The data were collected from the students using a questionnaire. The variables considered for the study include gender, class/grade, father’s occupation and parental income of tribal students studying in Ashram schools. The data were analyzed using Arithmetic Means, Standard Deviations and Critical Ratios. The findings of the study revealed that the gender and class of students have no influence on their socio-economic status. However, the occupation of parents and family income has a significant positive influence on their perceptions towards socio-economic status. The study revealed that there is positive relationship between the socio-economic status and Academic Achievement of tribal students studying in Ashram schools.