COVID-19 and risks for disadvantaged students: a media coverage analysis from a cultural psychology perspective

Abstract

The health and social crisis caused by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had an especially strong impact on the academic prospects of the most vulnerable populations in society. This paper focuses on the consequences of the current crisis in terms of their potential to negatively impact school disengagement and early school-leaving rates. First, the author reviews the causes of early school leaving, divided into exogenous and endogenous factors. Second, the key findings of a media coverage analysis are presented. This analysis focuses on key educational aspects and consequences related to the COVID-19 crisis and the potential impact on disengagement, early school leaving and educational inequality gaps. Lastly, in the light of those consequences, a sociocultural model of behaviour is suggested as a useful lens to envision solutions.