DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF FIRST GENERATION LEARNERS: A STUDY ON MUSLIM MINORITY COMMUNITY OF BARPETA DISTRICT OF ASSAM

Abstract

First generation learners are defined as the first person who pursues an education first in their 
family. They comprise distinct demographic characteristics. Typically, they come from the low 
income background, their parents are illiterate and majority of them are found in the marginalized 
communities. They often face unique challenges such as lack of familial guidance, financial 
constraints, and cultural barriers. Demographically the first-generation learners are tending to be 
older, maximum girl child are married and a higher proportion are from diverse racial and ethnic 
backgrounds which separated them with the others. The condition or character of being first 
generation learner defines a low demographic profile of that community. Their demographic 
character highly impact on their lives. A demographic profile of first-generation learner highlights 
their problems and need for support services to promote their academic success and persistence. 
This paper tries to highlight the problems of first-generation learner who are pursuing higher 
education through analyzing their demographic characteristics. Research has been done on the 
first-Generation Learner pursuing Higher Education from Muslim minority community in Barpeta 
district, Assam. It was found that low socioeconomic status, cultural background, and a lack of 
educational support can indeed be significant hindrances for first-generation Muslim learners. 

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