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UPE and Social Inequality in Uganda: A Step Backward or a Step in the Right Direction?

Author

Listed:
  • Tia L. Zuze
  • Murray Leibbrandt

    (SALDRU, University of Cape Town)

Abstract

It is widely agreed that studying the relationship between school quality and academic achievement will benefit public investment in education. This is particularly true in Africa where, the 1990 World Conference on ‘Education for All’ led to renewed commitments to quality basic education. At this time, Uganda implemented a set of public reforms that were designed to increase educational opportunities in poor communities. This paper uses data from the second wave of a cross-national survey of schools in Southern and Eastern Africa to assess some dimensions of these Ugandan reforms. Hierarchical linear models are estimated to investigate which schools most effectively ensure a meaningful educational experience for children who face economic and social hardships. Contrary to earlier studies in developing countries, the positive relationship between socioeconomic status and student performance is striking and significant. In line with the school effectiveness theory, resource availability proves to be consistently related to educational quality and its equitable distribution in Uganda.

Suggested Citation

  • Tia L. Zuze & Murray Leibbrandt, 2009. "UPE and Social Inequality in Uganda: A Step Backward or a Step in the Right Direction?," SALDRU Working Papers 37, Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town.
    • Handle: RePEc:ldr:wpaper:37
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Anne Case & Angus Deaton, 1999. "School Inputs and Educational Outcomes in South Africa," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 114(3), pages 1047-1084.
    3. Ritva Reinikka & Paul Collier, 2001. "Uganda's Recovery : The Role of Farms, Firms, and Government," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 13850, December.
    4. Nyagura, Levi M. & Riddell, Abby, 1993. "Primary school achievement in English and mathematics in Zimbabwe : a multi-level analysis," Policy Research Working Paper Series 1208, The World Bank.
    5. Deon Filmer & Lant Pritchett, 1999. "The Effect of Household Wealth on Educational Attainment: Evidence from 35 Countries," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 25(1), pages 85-120, March.
    6. Deininger, Klaus, 2003. "Does cost of schooling affect enrollment by the poor? Universal primary education in Uganda," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(3), pages 291-305, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    South African national household survey data; Post-stratification; Reweighting; Cross entropy estimation.;
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