The effect of marital breakdown on a child’s educational attainment from an educator’s perspective : a sociological analysis

Abstract

This research seeks to understand the effect of separation and divorce on children from the perspective of educators. The aim is to find any behavioural, academic or developmental effects that might affect one’s education throughout various stages of life. There are several aspects to the study, primarily the study focuses on the effect of children in a school environment. It will seek to understand how children with separated or divorced parents cope with day to day situations like making friends and schoolwork. Furthermore, the study will also ask educators to comment on the effect and changes undergone by the children. Seventeen qualitative interviews have been conducted from educators that all worked in the same school. The results show that educators believe, children whose parents are going through marital breakdown often go through behavioural changes, but these children still manage to overcome these emotions given that they have the right amount of guidance and love. Educators in this school have highlighted that the sense of camaraderie is important when working in a school as it is important to show students, especially those going through hard times at home, a united front.