Social Factors Causing Low Motivation for Primary Education among Girls in the Slums of Karachi

Oct 15, 2026

The present paper explores social factors responsible for low motivation among girls for primary education in Karachi’s slum areas, Pakistan. The study aims to identify key challenges and social determinants behind girls’ limited engagement with schooling. Using a qualitative design, it includes teachers, school heads, and female students from Kamari, Malir, Lyari, Baldia, and Gadap. Purposive sampling selected 50 teachers, 25 heads, and 50 students; data were gathered via interviews, focus groups, observations, and informal discussions. Thematic analysis using the Constant Comparative Method shows socio-economic status, socio-cultural barriers, and child labour as main causes, followed by policy recommendations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Objective of the study

Literature Review

Social Factors Causing Low Motivation for Primary Education among Girls in the Slums of Karachi Iffet Sultana * Abstract The present paper explores some important social factors responsible for the low motivation of girls for primary education in the slum areas of Karachi, Pakistan. The objective of the study was to identify the challenges and social factors responsible for the low motivation of girls for education in the slums of Karachi. The study was qualitative in nature. All the teachers, school heads and female students of government girls primary schools in slums areas from Kamari, Malir, Lyari, Baldia and Gadap towns of Karachi were included as the population. Fifty teachers, twentyfive school heads, and fifty students were selected as a sample on the basis of purposive sampling. The information was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observations and informal conversations. To analyze the qualitative data of interviews, focus group discussions and field notes, “Constant Comparative Method” was used. The researcher conducted thematic analysis approach to analyze the qualitative data. The analysis revealed that the socio-economic status of the parents, socio-cultural barriers and child labour are the main reasons for the low motivation of education for girls in the slum areas of Karachi. Policy recommendations based on the findings have further been discussed in the study. Keywords: Social factors, low motivation, girls’ education, Slum areas *Assistant Professor, IQRA University, Karachi. Email: [iffetsultana4@gmail.com](iffetsultana4@gmail.com) Introduction Education is the fundamental right of every child and plays an important role in one’s life including girls (UDHR, 1948) . Education serves as an opportunity for the girl child to grow and its impact on the upkeep of the family is equally important. Education creates awareness in various aspects of women’s life such as social, political, religious, and economics, as a result, they are then able to participate in decision making regarding family matters. Girls should have equal access to education so that they can realize their potential and contribute to the betterment of their life. In Pakistani society, girls are still trying to get equal access to education. The International Human Development Indicators (2013)listed Pakistan in the category of "low human development" countries with a female literacy rate of thirty percent, and Pakistan has ranked 145 in the world in terms of human development. This figure shows the picture of girls’ education in Pakistan In fact, Pakistan is undergoing an education emergency especially when it comes to girls’ education. The females of Pakistan have been unable to play an active role in the development of society mainly due to poverty, socio-cultural issues and rigidity of very traditional families (Parveen, 2008) . There are several obstacles that prevent them from benefiting from a right they equally deserve (Abbasi & Saeed, 2012) . This indeed is having a negative impact both socially and economically and is a waste of talent and potential of the young female generation of Pakistan. Naz and Rehman’s (2011) studyand Ali, Krantz, Gul, Asad, Johansson, and Morgen (2011) have portrayed various social, political and economic barriers towards women's empowerment and highlighted serious issues regarding gender inequalities and human right violations against women in Pakistan. However, changes have been noted in gender roles concerning women's participation in socio-cultural activities. In the slums of Karachi, education sector suffers from major issues regarding quality, enrollment, child labour, women/girls trafficking, and massive gender disparities. According to the Annual Status of Educational Report (2012), the rate of female enrollment is way below than that of boys in the slums of Karachi. Reviewing the issues relating to the girls’ education in slum areas, it is apparent that many challen

FAQs

What is the study’s main objective?

To identify the challenges and key social factors responsible for the low motivation of girls for primary education in Karachi’s slums.

How was the qualitative data collected?

Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and informal conversations with teachers, school heads, and female students.

What reasons are reported for girls’ low motivation toward education?

The study finds socio-economic status of parents, socio-cultural barriers, and child labour as the main reasons for low motivation.

Oct 15, 2026

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