The Relationship between Academic Achievement and Resilience of Children Raised in A Low Socio-Economic Level Family: A Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to identify the reasons for resilience leading to academic success from the perspective of two sisters who are socioeconomically at-risk. Despite the risk factors including very limited income, lack of a network and main recourses (electricity, water, transportation, etc.), three siblings in one family were found to be very successful in school. Data were collected from two siblings through in depth interviews. This case study, framed in resilience theory, examined the effect of individual attributes, family factors and environmental (school, teacher, social relations, etc.) factors on students’ academic achievement. Results revealed that individual characteristics and the family factors were the most contributing factors. The physical environment, attitudes toward school and the teachers’ characteristics also had positive effect in encouraging them to achieve in school.