Parents in Search for Quality Basic Education: Consumption or Investment?

Abstract

Post-2015 development and education agenda is expected to shift emphasis from education for all to access to quality education for primary, secondary and selected tertiary students. This paper defines the indicators of quality basic education, using multiple correspondence analysis. Prior to this, a log-linear demand model is specified to determine the economic factors behind the parental choice for quality basic education. The non-economic factors are incorporated using a logistic regression model. The indicators for quality basic education are defined, using multiple correspondence analysis. Data are obtained from interviews of high-income parents from the least developed regions in southern Philippines. Age, income and education of parents are important determinants in the decision of parents to enroll in private schools. Logistic regression results show that the parental choice of the best primary and secondary schools for their children include both consumption and investment considerations.