The impact of primary education on school-to-work transitions for young people in rural Bolivia

Citation

Punch S (2004) The impact of primary education on school-to-work transitions for young people in rural Bolivia. Youth and Society, 36 (2), pp. 163-182. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118X04265155

Abstract
As in many parts of the majority world, primary education in rural Bolivia is constrained by a range of factors: poor teaching quality, lack of resources, limited infrastructure, inadequate teaching materials, and low wages for teachers. Furthermore, high rates of absenteeism, drop-out, repetition, and failure can be exacerbated by children's work responsibilities and harsh weather conditions. This article draws on a case study of a rural community in Bolivia to indicate the ways in which the structural constraints of primary education impact upon young people's school-to-work transitions. Although many children enjoy their experience at school and appreciate the opportunity to gain literacy and numeracy skills, formal education is unlikely to increase their future livelihood options.

Keywords
Bolivia; education; youth transitions

Journal
Youth and Society: Volume 36, Issue 2

People

Professor Samantha Punch

Professor, Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology