The Role of Parental Involvement in Academic Achievement: A Study of Socioeconomic and Cultural Influences in India

Abstract

Parental involvement is widely recognized as a key determinant of student academic success, but its impact varies across socioeconomic and cultural contexts. This study investigates whether socioeconomic status (SES) significantly influences parental engagement in education or if parental literacy, cultural expectations, and awareness levels play a more crucial role. Conducted at Malwanchal University, Indore, and its periphery during the 2023-24 academic year, this study collected survey data from 250 parent-student pairs. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and regression models, revealed that SES did not significantly predict parental involvement (p = 0.825, β = 0.0125, R² = 0.000). Instead, parental education level was found to be a stronger predictor of engagement, with graduate/postgraduate parents demonstrating higher involvement (Mean = 3.48) compared to parents with no formal education (Mean = 2.61). Additionally, cultural factors, such as family-based educational expectations and gendered divisions of parental roles, played a significant role in shaping involvement patterns. These findings challenge the assumption that higher-income families are automatically more engaged and emphasize the need for educational policies that promote parental awareness and inclusive engagement strategies beyond financial assistance.