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Socioeconomic Status of Parents and Its Impact on the Child Upbringing in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Egbelagu Christian Nelson, Oko promise Anyina

Abstract

This study examined the impact of parents’ socioeconomic status specifically education, income, and occupational status on the upbringing of children in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, Rivers State, Nigeria. Anchored on ecological and motivational perspectives, the study explored how variations in family socioeconomic conditions shape children’s physical, emotional, social, and academic development. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a sample of 200 respondents comprising parents and teachers selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured instrument titled: Socioeconomic Status and Child Upbringing Questionnaire and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that parental education significantly enhances children’s academic support, discipline, and intellectual development. Parents with higher educational attainment were more actively involved in their children’s schooling and provided more stimulating learning environments. Furthermore, parental income was found to be a critical determinant of access to quality education, nutrition, healthcare, and overall well-being. Children from high- income families enjoyed better developmental outcomes, while those from low-income households faced challenges such as poor nutrition, limited educational resources, and exposure to child labour. In addition, parental occupational status influenced the level of supervision, emotional support, and time spent with children, thereby affecting their behavioural and social development. The study concluded that parents’ socioeconomic status is a major determinant of child upbringing and contributes to inequalities in developmental outcomes among children in Port Harcourt Metropolis. It highlights the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic disparities. The study recommended that government and stakeholders should implement social welfare programs, improve access to quality education, and promote parental support initiatives to enhance child development outcomes.

References

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