Community perceptions on the impact of education in reducing poverty: case of Vrededorp, Gauteng.
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Education is a vital instrument for poverty alleviation, but its usefulness in marginalised populations is limited by societal barriers. In South Africa's disadvantaged communities, historical legacies of apartheid and persisting socioeconomic inequities have hindered the potential of education to uplift individuals from poverty, as suggested by human capital theory. This has affected how community members perceive the relationship between education and poverty reduction. Given this background, the study aims to examine the community’s perceptions on the impact of education in reducing poverty: Case of Vrededorp, Gauteng. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a standardised questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews to get insight into the community’s perceptions, opinions and experiences concerning education and poverty reduction. The study results suggest a contradictory narrative: while education is viewed as a road to economic mobility, its impact is hampered by inadequate school infrastructure, insufficient resources and high unemployment rates among educated people.
Author: Sintu, Sanda
Language: English
Subfield: Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7208121033