Exploring the Socio-Economic Determinants of Higher Education in Pakistan

Abstract

This endeavor investigated the impact of socio economic determinants of higher education in Pakistan and the change in their role over time. Nationally representative Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement (PSLM) surveys data were used for different periods (2015-16, 2010-11&2005-06). For measurement of education, number of years of schooling of individuals was used as a proxy. At household level, a categorical variable was constructed. Multinomial logistic regression has been used to find the impact of socio-economic determinants of higher education in Pakistan as dependent variable is binary. The economic factors that can play role in attainment of higher education were family income, ratio of food to total expenditures, dummy remittances, wealth and land ownership (Agri and non-Agri), savings of the household, livestock etc. Findings of the study show that among socio economic determinants, Education of household head is most significant determinant of higher education at rural urban level and in overall Pakistan for all three time periods (2015-16, 2010-11&2005-06).  During survey years, in overall Pakistan, there is a significant role of food expenditures, number of sources of income and dependency ratio. Role of remittances is significant in Rural and Overall Pakistan.  In Rural, Urban, and Overall Pakistan, there is a significant effect of food expenditures and number of sources of income. Dependency ratio is significant in Rural Pakistan. Regarding professions, the role of remittances is important Urban Pakistan and in Overall Pakistan, there is significant role of professionals and managers. The role of Craft & trade related workers, Plant & machine operators, assemblers, and Elementary occupations is significant in overall Pakistan. In urban Pakistan, Technicians and associate professionals’ category is statistically significant as compared to reference category (armed forces). Present study strongly recommended that literacy rate should be increased in Pakistan as it will add to human capital of the country. Vocational training and IT related programs should be promoted as they have multiplier effects on earnings required to get higher education.