WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
NORMAL RD, ZAMBOANGA CITY, 7000
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SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

IN ACCESSING QUALITY EDUCATION

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

OF THE REQUIRMENTS FOR THE SUBJECT

PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION

BY:
LEGASPINO, KENNEDICK JHON S.
CALAWAGAN, EARL JEAN D.
MACASING, REGEL C.
____________________________________________
BSME 1A

MRS. PILAR T. ROSALDO

_____________________________________________
COURSE INSTRUCTOR
 Education has long been regarded as the cornerstone of social and economic progress.
In the Philippines, this belief is deeply rooted in the idea that education paves the way for a
brighter future. However, despite efforts to make education more accessible, the reality
remains that socioeconomic status (SES) significantly influences one’s ability to access
quality education. According to Chen (2024) Students from wealthier families enjoy
substantial advantages, such as better resources, preparation, and support systems, while
those from lower-income families face challenges that hinder their academic success. This
essay argues that socioeconomic disparities in education perpetuate inequality and limit
opportunities for less fortunate individuals, even in public institutions like state colleges.

Socioeconomic status provides significant advantages in accessing quality education.

Families with higher incomes can afford to enroll their children in private schools or well-
funded public institutions. These schools often provide smaller class sizes, better facilities,
and highly qualified teachers, leading to superior academic performance. Moreover, wealthier
families can invest in supplemental education, such as review centers that prepare students
for competitive college entrance exams. According to rll (2019) revealed that students who
attended private review centers were more likely to gain admission to prestigious universities,
such as the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila. The advantages of higher
SES extend beyond financial capacity. Wealthier families can create conducive learning
environments at home, equipping their children with private study spaces, high-speed
internet, and access to books and educational tools. These resources enhance students’
learning experiences, helping them perform better academically. Furthermore, high-income
families often possess social capital that allows their children to access information about
scholarships, networking opportunities, and career advice. This advantage ensures that
wealthier students have a clear pathway to success, from basic education to higher education
and beyond. In contrast, students from low-income families face significant barriers that
hinder their educational progress. While public schools are intended to level the playing field,
many in economically disadvantaged areas are underfunded and overcrowded. These schools
lack adequate learning materials, computers, and laboratories, which limits the quality of
education provided. A study of Garry B.T. (2024) states that Current situation and challenges
includes Insufficient and poor facilities also Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara
Duterte, in her 2023 Basic Education Report, identified school infrastructure and facilities as
the most pressing issue facing the country’s education sector. Financial constraints are
another major hurdle for low-income families. Even in state colleges and universities where
tuition may be free, other expenses such as transportation, books, and living allowances
become insurmountable obstacles. Many students are forced to balance their studies with
part-time jobs or drop out altogether to support their families. The Philippine Statistics
Authority (PSA, 2022) reports that financial difficulties remain the leading cause of school
dropouts among low-income households. Moreover, children from these families often face
competing responsibilities, such as helping with household chores or working to supplement
family income. These factors reduce their focus on academics and diminish their chances of
succeeding in competitive exams or higher education. The gap in educational opportunities
between high-SES and low-SES students results in unequal outcomes. Wealthier students are
more likely to complete higher education, while their less fortunate counterparts often
struggle to reach tertiary levels. This inequality perpetuates a cycle of poverty, as low-SES
students are unable to secure the qualifications necessary for higher-paying jobs. Educational
inequality also has far-reaching consequences for society. A poorly educated workforce
hampers economic growth and exacerbates income inequality. Conversely, investing in
equitable access to quality education can help reduce poverty and improve national
development. Addressing these disparities is not only a moral imperative but also a practical
necessity for creating a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Socioeconomic status remains a critical determinant of access to quality education in

the Philippines. While wealthier families enjoy financial resources, better preparation, and
advantageous networks, low-income students struggle with inadequate facilities, financial
constraints, and competing responsibilities. These disparities perpetuate cycles of poverty and
inequality, limiting the potential of many Filipinos. To bridge this gap, the government must
prioritize improving public education, expanding scholarship programs, and creating policies
that ensure equitable opportunities for all. By addressing these systemic issues, the
Philippines can build a more just and equitable educational system that empowers every
child, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). Education and socioeconomic status.
American Psychological Association.
https://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/publications/education

Chen, M. (2024). The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Access to Quality

Educational Resources. Research & Reviews: Journal of Educational Studies, 10(3), 20–21.
https://www.rroij.com/open-access/the-influence-of-socioeconomic-status-on-access-to-
quality-educational-resources.php?aid=95063

LISA GRACE S. BERSALES, Ph.D. (2025). Authentication challenge pages.

Psa.gov.ph. https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/income-expenditure/apis/node/133556?

rll. (2019). ARE COLLEGE REVIEW CENTERS EFFECTIVE? | Ahead Tutorial and
Review. Ahead.edu.ph. https://www.ahead.edu.ph/are-college-review-centers-effective?

Teves, G. B. (2024, February 12). Revitalizing our basic education system.

INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/170768/revitalizing-our-basic-education-
system