An Evaluation of the Ramifications of Single Parenthood on the Academic Performance of Students in Second Cycle and Tertiary Institutions at Agogo Asante Akyem North District

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue XI, November 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

An Evaluation of the Ramifications of Single Parenthood on the Academic Performance of Students in Second Cycle and Tertiary Institutions at Agogo Asante Akyem North District

Nicholas Aning Boadu¹, James Badu Afari², Florencia Adai Nottinson³, James Dasinor^4
1Tutor (Social Studies Department) and Ag. Vice Principal, Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Ghana
²HOD(Social Studies Department), Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Ghana
³Assistant College Secretary, Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Ghana
⁴Senior Adm Assistant, Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Ghana

Abstract
The researchers delved on the ramifications of single parenting on adolescents’ academic performance in second cycle and tertiary institutions at Agogo Asante Akyem North district-Ghana. The research methodology was descriptive research survey and primary data collection through questionnaires. Against this backdrop, the study was quantitative. Overall, the population of the study was about 6812 students from two secondary schools and three tertiary institutions. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 2150 students, depicting 39% of the population. The researchers provide justification that the sampling frame of targeting respondents from single parenthood background aided the collection of tentative and accurate responses from the respondents leading to discovery of pragmatic findings for practical decision making. Data was analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solution(SPSS) version 22.0. Hypotheses testing were formulated at 5% significant level and found to have significant but adverse impact on the academic performance of adolescents within the district.
The researchers recommended a collaborative effort between school administrators and parents to provide psychological and economic assistance to students with single parenthood background for effective academic performance. The researchers further recommended that scholarship schemes should focus on needy but brilliant students from single parenthood background so as to cushion them off economic burdens and hardships and foster serene academic environment for all.
Key terminologies: Single parenthood, academic performance, parental neglect and Agogo Asante Akyem North-Ghana

1.0 Background

Single parenthood has been a growing family pattern in recent times globally(Oyedemi, 2019).
Single parenthood has gained dominance in traditional media and various stakeholders across the globe in recent times for varied reasons. Despite increased research on the subject matter, its prevalence in developing countries and ramifications on societal growth ought to be a concern as the researchers posit that failure to adequately address the impact of single parenthood could soon lead to streetism, armed robbery, moral decadence among the youth etc.
The researchers define single parenthood as the situation where only either of the parents takes sole responsibility in the upbringing of children due to divorce, broken homes etc
The researchers hypothesized that single parenthood has tremendous negative effect on academic performance of affected students. In line with this hypothesis,Nyarko, (2010) posited that the immediate environment of a child has a direct but tremendous influence on the child’s academic performance and overall achievement.
In the light of the above, the researchers ask “To what extent has single parenthood negatively impeded academic performance of affected students in their respective schools?’’
Hypotheses Testing
Hypothesis is tested at P < 0.05 and hypothesized as follows:
Ho1. There is no significant association between types/styles of parenthood (single parent or intact parent) and adolescent academic performance at Agogo Asante Akyem North.

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