The Relevance of Bourdieu’s Social Practice Theory to Parents’ Participation in Basic Schools

Abstract

Parents’ participation in basic school management has been identified to be very paramount in the growth and development of basic schools. Many scholars have espoused the critical roles they play in various dimensions to the development of basic schools, most especially in developing countries. This study investigated the relevance of Bourdieu social practice theory to parents’ participation in basic school management. The study sought to identify how Boudieu’s Social Practice theory assertions manifested in parents’ participation in basic schools’ activities. The purposive sampling technique was used to sample PTA executives, parents and school authorities. The study adopted the exploratory research method with in-depth interviews, observation and focus group discussions as techniques for data collection. The findings from the study revealed that the parents’ traits, experience and operational environment in schools determined the ways that parents participated in the management of basic schools. This article recommends that since the mode of synergy between parents and school environment had a pertinent impact on the parents’ desire to fully participate in the management of basic schools, government and other relevant stakeholders in the education fraternity should ensure a cooperative school environment.