Impacts of social differentiation on learners in Shurugwi district Zimbabwe

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to find impacts of social differentiation on learners in Shurugwi District .The research was conducted with fifteen teachers from two urban schools and two rural schools. The research used a mixed methods research design. This research enabled the researcher to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data was collected through semi structured interviews and quantitative data was collected through semi structured questionnaires .Purposive sampling was used to select participants for this study. Based on the findings of the study respondents showed that there are forms of social differentiation that they notice on learners on a daily basis. Social differentiation forms such as family size, family background, social economic status of a family, cultural capital, gender and culture contribute to inequalities in learners. The respondents highlighted that these forms of social differentiation have a negative impacts and may cause absenteeism, stigmatization, failure and stress .The study concluded that the government should introduce nutritional programmes so that learners who come from poor backgrounds may benefit. The government and schools must lobby for donations. The teachers must offer individualised instruction to learners so that all learners may benefit from instruction.