A Photo-Ethnographic Study of Intra-Urban School Poverty: Implications of Policy on Social Justice Education (Poster 25)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 10:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Division L - Section 9: Policy Implementation and Going to Scale Poster Session

Abstract

This study explores intra-urban school poverty and how educational policies exacerbate injustices within educational spaces in Malawi. We adopt a photo-ethnographic approach to gather data from students and teachers. Students were asked their perspectives on school poverty while teachers offered insights into the prevailing inequalities within public schools and analyzed data through thematic approach. Our study reveals existing disparities within public urban schools with two schools being in poor condition compared to the other school. This was manifested by unequal school funding policy, financial constraints, and the impact of neoliberal policies on public education. Therefore, our study calls upon educational leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to critically reassess and reform school funding policies to address these educational disparities within urban Malawi.

Authors

• Mastano Nambiro. W Dzimbiri, Miami University (OH)

• Abisola Aminat Adegunju, Miami University (OH)