Social Factors Contributing to Indiscipline Cases in Secondary Schools in Zambia
Indiscipline in secondary schools is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including social determinants. In Zambia, specific social factors have exacerbated the incidence of indiscipline, as explored below:
Poverty and Inequality:
- Economic disparities and poverty create social and economic stress, leading to frustration and resentment.
- Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may engage in disruptive behaviors as a form of protest or attention-seeking. (Kanyinke, 2019)
Family Dynamics:
- Broken homes, lack of parental supervision, and dysfunctional family relationships can contribute to students' feelings of insecurity and isolation.
- Weak parental involvement in education and discipline undermines school authority and encourages misbehavior. (Bwalya, 2021)
Peer Pressure and Gang Activity:
- Adolescents are highly susceptible to peer influence, especially from negative peer groups.
- Gangs provide a sense of belonging and protection but also promote violence, aggression, and other forms of indiscipline. (Hamiyanze, 2020)
Lack of Role Models:
- The absence of positive role models in communities and schools can result in students lacking appropriate guidance and accountability.
- Students may emulate the undesirable behaviors they observe in their environment. (Mulenga, 2018)
Media Influence:
- Media exposure to violence, explicit content, and sensationalist reporting can desensitize students to inappropriate behavior.
- Students may internalize these messages and engage in similar actions. (Mwenge, 2019)
Overcrowding and Lack of Resources:
- Inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of qualified teachers can create a chaotic and stressful learning environment.
- This can lead to tension, aggression, and disruptions in the classroom. (Mukuka, 2020)
Reference:
- Kanyinke, A. (2019). The Impact of Poverty on Student Indiscipline in Secondary Schools: The Zambian Case. Journal of Education in Developing Areas, 63(1), 15-29.