Examining the influence of social factors on the formation of behavior in elementary school students

Abstract

This study identified the social factors which influence on behavior formation of primary school children. It was a small-scale qualitative study the population of which consisted of male and female teachers who were teaching primary school children. It was delimited to the public sector primary schools, and it used cluster sampling technique. A total 14 (7 male and 7 female) public sector primary school teachers participated in the study on volunteer basis. An interview protocol was prepared to elicit the opinion of the respondents –primary school teachers. The researchers interviewed the respondents by getting their consent and took notes of their viewpoint according to their ease. Some of the responses were recorded by permission of the respondents. Based on the narratives of the respondents, the study concluded that parents’ related factors particularly parent’s level of education, their income and profession, social status and social class has a significant influence on behavior formation of primary school children. Similarly, location and environment of home, family pattern, family values and value system have association with social behavior and behavior formation of primary school children.  It was evident that media & technology is not only shaping the life patterns but also affecting the behavior and behavior formation of the children.  Ideas and beliefs of education, social values, social norms, and society itself influence behavior formation of primary school children. Besides, the physical needs [food and nutrition, safety, and security] and their fulfillment significantly influences the behavior formation of primary school children. Similarly, Fulfillment of psychological needs by parents creates a sense of love and belongingness; and maintains “soft monitoring and check & balance” on children which leads towards the desired behavior formation in broader context.