The Impact of Education Policy Changes on Access to Quality Education in Remote Areas: Evidence from Soran

Abstract

                                      Abstract  

The term changes in educational policy, refers to all modifications introduced to the educational policy of the Kurdistan region of Iraq following the collapse of the Ba'ath regime in 2003. This research, therefore, endeavors to investigate the impact of these educational policy changes in access to quality education in remote areas, with evidence from Soran city. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain the effects of educational policy shifts in access to quality education, and to understand the current state of education in remote areas, including the challenges they face in accessing quality education. Furthermore, it aims to explore the relationship between neoliberal policies and the education system, specifically how neoliberalism contributes to the reproduction of inequality and disparities in access to quality education. To elucidate this topic, the study employs the (Reproduction Theory). This research adopts a qualitative approach, collecting data through semi-structured interviews and secondary data sources. The research population comprises primary schools in remote areas, and the sample size consists of (18) participants, including school mangers, teachers, and student parents. The findings of this research indicate that the changes in educational policy have a direct impact on access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. Structural barriers such as poverty and gender disparity significantly affect access to quality education. Moreover, neoliberal policies are shown to influence the reproduction of social inequality.

Keywords: Education, Educational policy, Quality of education.