6th APCSSP @ Singapore / December 04-06, 2024
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
Asia-Pacific Conference on Education, Social Sciences and Psychology
"Welcome to the 6th Asia-Pacific Conference on Education, Social Sciences, and Psychology, taking place in Singapore from December 4th to 6th, 2024. Organized by the HEF committees, this conference serves as a pioneering platform for discussions and insights.
The themes for submissions to this conference encompass Law & Politics, Sociology, Education, Communication Studies, Psychology, and Philosophy. We are excited to announce a special session curated by Dr. Johan van Rooyen: 'Breaking the Socioeconomic Barrier: Understanding and Overcoming the Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Attainment.' This session will delve into critical issues surrounding socioeconomic status and its impact on educational outcomes.
We extend a heartfelt invitation to academics and industry professionals interested in these pivotal topics. Let us come together in Singapore to explore innovative solutions and strategies for addressing socioeconomic barriers in education. We look forward to meeting you at this enriching event."
Wars, famine, displacement, broken families, unemployment, stress, bad news on social media and in the
press, to name a few socioeconomic occurrences in the daily lives of everyone today. Breaking the
socioeconomic barrier in education is paramount for fostering a more equitable and just society.
Socioeconomic status significantly impacts educational attainment, shaping opportunities, outcomes, and
life trajectories. Understanding and overcoming this influence is crucial for several reasons:
| 1. | Promoting Social Mobility: Education is often hailed as the great equalizer, offering individuals
from all backgrounds the opportunity to improve their socioeconomic status. However, the reality
is that socioeconomic disparities often hinder access to quality education and limit upward
mobility. By addressing these barriers, we can facilitate greater social mobility, allowing
individuals to transcend the circumstances of their birth and realize their full potential. |
| 2. | Fostering Economic Growth and Development: Education is a key driver of economic growth and
development. A well-educated workforce is essential for innovation, productivity, and
competitiveness in the global economy. When segments of society are marginalized or denied
access to quality education due to socioeconomic factors, it not only perpetuates inequality but
also stifles economic progress. Breaking the socioeconomic barrier in education is therefore
crucial for fostering inclusive economic growth and ensuring the prosperity of nations. |
| 3. | Promoting Social Cohesion and Stability: Education plays a vital role in promoting social
cohesion and reducing social tensions. When individuals from diverse socioeconomic
backgrounds have equal access to quality education, it fosters a sense of inclusion, belonging, and
shared identity. Conversely, when educational opportunities are unequally distributed, it can
exacerbate social divisions and fuel resentment and conflict. By breaking the socioeconomic
barrier in education, we can promote greater social cohesion and stability within communities and
societies. |
| 4. | Addressing Systemic Injustice and Discrimination: Socioeconomic disparities in education are
often symptomatic of broader systemic injustices and discrimination. Historical legacies of
racism, colonialism, and classism have perpetuated unequal access to resources, opportunities,
and power. Breaking the socioeconomic barrier requires confronting and dismantling these
systemic injustices, whether through policy reforms, institutional changes, or grassroots activism.
By addressing the root causes of socioeconomic inequality, we can create a more just and
equitable society for all. |
| 5. | Maximizing Human Potential and Well-Being: Every individual possesses unique talents,
abilities, and aspirations. However, when socioeconomic barriers limit access to education and
opportunity, it stifles human potential and undermines individual well-being. By ensuring that all
individuals have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals and aspirations, regardless of
their socioeconomic background, we can unlock the full potential of every member of society and
promote overall well-being and fulfillment. |
In conclusion, breaking the socioeconomic barrier in education is not just a moral imperative but also
an economic, social, and political necessity. By understanding and overcoming the influence of
socioeconomic status on educational attainment, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and
prosperous future for generations to come. Within this age of digital transformation, access to
previous unreachable areas became so much easier than ever before for example, a student in a
conflict zone, does not need a classroom, they only need access to an internet connection.
Sub-topic 1: The Interplay of Economic Factors and Academic Achievement
| ● | Analyzing the impact of family income, parental education, and access to resources on student
performance; |
| ● | Exploring how economic instability and poverty affect educational outcomes; |
| ● | Investigating the role of economic stressors in shaping attitudes towards education. |
Sub-topic 2: Addressing Equity Gaps in Access to Quality Education
| ● | Identifying disparities in educational resources, facilities, and opportunities based on
socioeconomic status; |
| ● | Examining policies and initiatives aimed at reducing the achievement gap between affluent and
disadvantaged students; |
| ● | Strategies for providing equitable access to high-quality education for all socioeconomic groups. |
Sub-topic 3: Understanding the Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Educational
Aspirations and Expectations
| ● | Exploring how socioeconomic background shapes students' career aspirations and academic
goals; |
| ● | Investigating the impact of parental expectations and educational attainment on socioeconomic
mobility; |
| ● | Addressing stereotype threat and self-perception in relation to socioeconomic status and academic
performance. |
Sub-topic 4: The Role of Social Capital and Community Support in Educational
Success
| ● | Examining how social networks and community resources contribute to educational attainment; |
| ● | Identifying effective community-based interventions and support systems for students from
disadvantaged backgrounds; |
| ● | Strategies for leveraging social capital to promote academic achievement and foster resilience. |
Sub-topic 5: Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Poverty through Education
| ● | Investigating the transmission of socioeconomic disadvantage across generations and its
implications for educational attainment; |
| ● | Examining interventions and programs aimed at disrupting the cycle of poverty through
education; |
| ● | Empowering families and communities to support educational success and socioeconomic
mobility. |
Sub-topic 6: Policy Solutions for Promoting Equity in Education
| ● | Analyzing the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic disparities in education,
such as school funding reforms and affirmative action programs; |
| ● | Identifying policy barriers and systemic inequalities that perpetuate socioeconomic disparities in
educational attainment; |
| ● | Advocating for evidence-based policy interventions to promote equity and social justice in
education. |
