Exploring the Academic Experiences of Students with Migrant Parents in Rural Ecuador = Exploring the Academic Experiences of Students with Migrant Parents in Rural Ecuador

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This thesis examines the academic experiences of students with migrant parents in rural Ecuador. It aims to understand how these students construct meaning from their educational processes amid parental absence, focusing on their academic experiences, emotional well-being, and social support networks. The literature review draws on psychological and sociological perspectives, particularly Attachment Theory to interpret the emotional effects of disrupted parental bonds, and Social Capital Theory to analyze how support networks among families, schools, and communities influence students’ educational experiences. Adopting a basic qualitative study with an emic perspective, the research collected data through semi-structured interviews and reflective journals from students, caregivers, and teachers. Thematic analysis identified three core categories: the relationship between parental migration and academic performance, academic and emotional experiences, and network support, allowing a nuanced understanding of how students cope with parental migration. Findings reveal contrasting outcomes: while some students experienced poor performance, a lack of concentration, and disinterest due to limited supervision, others demonstrated resilience, autonomy, and motivation inspired by their parents' sacrifices. Emotional challenges such as sadness, loneliness, and isolation were recurrent. Caregivers, such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and older siblings, played a key role in providing emotional and academic support. At the same time, schools served as essential anchors for socio- emotional and educational development. The study concludes that parental absence weakens social capital and attachment bonds. It recommends strengthening socio- emotional support programs, training teachers to manage emotional difficulties, and reinforcing caregiver networks to ensure academic continuity and emotional stability for rural students in Ecuador.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Chapter I. Introduction 1
• 1.1 Background of the Study 1
• 1.2 Problem Statement 3
• 1.3 Purpose of the Study 4
• 1.4 Research Question 5
• 1.5 Definition of Terms 5
• 1.6 Significance of the Study 6
• Chapter II. Literature Review 8
• 2.1 Parental Migration in Ecuador 8
• 2.2 Impact of Parental Migration on Academic Performance 12
• 2.3 Research on Parental Migration in Ecuador 14
• 2.4 Theoretical Framework on Parental Migration and Student Academic Performance 16
• 2.4.1 Social Capital Theory 16
• 2.4.2 Attachment Theory 18
• 2.5 Socioeconomic Context of Migration in Ecuador 21
• 2.6 Educational and Intervention Strategies 22
• Chapter III. Research Methodology 27
• 3.1 Research Design 27
• 3.1.1 Analytical Framework 28
• 3.2 Participants and Setting 29
• 3.2.1 Student Participants 30
• 3.2.2 Caregiver Participants 31
• 3.2.3 Teacher Participants 32
• 3.2.4 Context of the Study: The Educational Institution A 32
• 3.3 Data Collection 36
• 3.3.1 Semi-Structured Interview 36
• 3.3.2 Journals 43
• 3.4 Data Analysis 46
• 3.5 Trustworthiness of the Study 50
• Chapter IV. Results and Discussions 57
• 4.1 Results 57
• 4.1.1 The Relationship between Parental Migration and the Academic Experiences of Students in Rural Ecuador 59
• 4.1.2 Emotional and Educational Challenges Faced by Students with Migrant Parents 71
• 4.1.3 Role of Family Members, School, and Support Networks in Supporting Students with Migrant Parents 86
• 4.2 Discussions 99
• 4.2.1 The Relationship between Parental Migration and the Academic Experiences of Students in Rural Ecuador 99
• 4.2.2 Emotional and Educational Challenges Faced by Students with Migrant Parents 102
• 4.2.3 Role of Family Members, School, and Support Networks in Supporting Students with Migrant Parents103
• Chapter V. Conclusion 106
• 5.1 Conclusion106
• 5.2 Recommendations 109
• 5.3 Limitations113
• References 115
• 논 문 요 약 123
• Appendices 125