Examining street level bureaucrats views on the application of the law of absenteeism and child marriages in Zambia’s education sector.
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Date
2022-06
Authors
Daka, Harrison
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE)
Abstract
This paper examined the perspectives of street-level bureaucrats on the prospects of prosecuting
people who breached the laws on absenteeism and early marriages in Lusaka and Central Provinces of
Zambia. Using the narrative design, qualitative data were collected using the semi-structured interview
guides. The target population consisted of twelve secondary school head teachers in the two provinces. These
were also purposively sampled to create varied responses from both rural and urban schools. Data were
analysed through coding and cross-analysis. Within the context of the deterrence and attribution theories, the
study findings showed that street level bureaucrats were indifferent to the law, while some felt that retention
of girls in school could be improved by the law on absenteeism and early marriages, the local environment
was unprepared for such drastic measures. There were concerns about long prison sentences which may not
deter the offences of absenteeism and early marriages. The study recommended among other things,
promoting efficiency in the administration of justice on matters relating to early marriages and absenteeism
as well as improving infrastructure and peoples livelihoods. The findings of the study, therefore, could have
implications on how the law of absenteeism and early marriages could be implemented in Zambia.
Keywords:Street-level bureaucrats, competency profile, early marriage, absenteeism
Description
Article
Keywords
Child marriage--Zambia.