Gender inequality in education: An Investigation into the effects of School Management Practices on Health Behaviours of Female Students. (A Study of Selected Senior Secondary Schools in Lagos State)
This research explores gender inequality in education, with a focus to examine the implications of gender disparities in schools on girls’ health and education. The study sought to investigate whether school management practices is a possible factor impacting the health behaviours of female students in senior secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. The study employed mixed methods design and gathered primary data in two consecutive phases, in line with sequential explanatory design. Data in Phase one was gathered through the use of questionnaire while phase 2 gathered primary data using semi-structured interviews to complement survey data. The sample frame included 2 public secondary schools, 42 students, 9 teachers, 1 vice principal and 2 principals. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analyzed with help of ATLAS.ti. The findings of the study revealed school related barriers that influence high absenteeism and dropout among girls. Further findings also show the schools lack appropriate school management policies that promote healthful behaviours and encourage positive learning environment for girls. The researcher recommends leadership and school management training for school principals and their deputies, improving quality of health instruction in the curriculum, developing strict policy against school-related gender-based violence and adopting health-promoting policies.
Education, Diversity, Health behaviour, Gender, Gender inequality, School, School management practices, Secondary school, Students, Nigeria, Behaviour
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