Educational inequality is one of the lingering effects of poverty. Inequality in education refers to the unequal access to education and distribution of academic resources.
For example, schools in rural communities have insufficient classrooms for their students, imbalance book-to-student ratio, or lack basic facilities, such as libraries, computer rooms, and auditoriums.
But what are the impacts of educational inequality on the students and the community?
1. LACK OF OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FUTURE
The lack of access to quality and affordable education strips the student of opportunities in the future. Many employers require talents to have at least a bachelor’s degree for starting positions in the company.
Since not all students are capable of finishing college due to financial and other factors, they settle for labour-intensive and low-paying jobs. Providing equal educational opportunities to students can help them build a brighter future.
2. GETTING INTO THE WRONG CROWD
There is a high chance for students to get into the wrong crowd due to educational inequality. For example, advantaged schools have sufficient staff to implement basic school policies, such as anti-bullying. In overcrowded and understaffed schools, these policies are often neglected. Hence, there are high cases of bullying in these disadvantaged schools.
The environment where bullying has been normalised and ignored influences the students’ perception, attitude, and behaviour inside and outside the school. They are more likely to get in the wrong crowd after exposure to such an environment. Cases of violence tend to be higher among people living in poverty.
3. FAILURE TO HONE TALENTS
Schools are instrumental in honing talents. However, not all schools could not provide gifted students with opportunities to hone their abilities.
For example, advantaged schools have tools and facilities for musically-inclined students. They have instruments and auditoriums and are financially capable of launching recitals for students.
However, disadvantaged schools lack these tools and facilities; hence, musically-inclined students can’t hone and explore their talents.
4. PROMOTES EXPLOITATION
People without proper education are prone to exploitation. Because they are unqualified for decent job opportunities, adults are more likely to enter labour-intensive and dangerous jobs with low salaries and sans benefits, compensation, and insurance.
Many manufacturers also exploit out-of-school kids by hiring them to work in their factories, a blatant example of child labour.
We can fight educational inequality by continuing the crusade towards making affordable and high-quality education more accessible and building bridges between the educational gap through volunteer opportunities in Singapore.
The Best of You gives you an opportunity to help eradicate educational inequality. Visit The Best of You today
