Parental involvement in the schooling of their children in Caño Negro, Costa Rica

Abstract

This study examined how fathers and mothers in Caño Negro, Costa Rica, are involved in the schooling of their children at primary school. It was examined in which way parents take care of their children, interact academically with their children and have contact with the school. Differences between fathers and mothers were explored as well as the influence of the different variables: level of education, working conditions and gender roles. The results show mothers are more involved than fathers, for which the task divisions between fathers and mothers are highly responsible. Further, level of education was positively correlated with the level of academic interaction at home. Working conditions are also important but are not always significant related with the involvement of the parents. Findings are discussed with regard to former research and with regard to influences of gender role differences on the involvement of parents.