Remittances and Education in Rural Households: A Systematic Review (2000–2025)

Document Type : research article

Authors

1 Dep. of Human Geography & Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Dep. of Human Geography & Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran,

10.22080/eps.2025.30372.2381

Abstract

Aim: Financial remittances are among the most influential economic flows affecting household welfare and human development in rural areas, and they have the potential to reshape educational pathways and investment in schooling. In this regard, this article aims to systematically and comprehensively analyze the effects of financial remittances on educational planning in rural households by reviewing empirical evidence published between 2000 and April 2025.
Methodology: This research is based on a systematic review approach. A comprehensive search was conducted in reputable databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, resulting in the selection of 41 eligible studies for final analysis. The screening process, data extraction, and quality assessment of studies were carried out in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.
Results: The findings indicate that remittances have a generally positive and significant impact on educational planning in most countries; however, the magnitude and direction of these effects vary depending on institutional, economic, and cultural differences. In countries with efficient financial and educational systems, remittances lead to increased investment in education and improved learning quality. Conversely, in societies with weak institutional structures or patriarchal norms, financial resources are often diverted toward non-educational expenditures, diminishing the developmental role of remittances. Moreover, the effects of remittances differ across educational levels: at the primary stage, they primarily operate through household financial empowerment, while at secondary and higher levels, factors such as the rising opportunity cost of schooling, early employment, or migration aspirations may offset part of the positive impact.
Conclusions and suggestions: The study highlights that, in the presence of supportive policies and effective educational institutions, remittances can serve as a powerful tool for enhancing human capital, reducing educational inequality, and promoting sustainable development in rural areas.
Innovation and originality: This study adopts a systematic and forward-looking approach to integrate existing empirical evidence on the impact of financial remittances on educational planning in rural areas, highlighting the crucial role of policies and institutions in enhancing the effect of these financial flows on human development in rural households.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Educational Planning Studies
Volume 14, Issue 28
March 2025
Pages 61-90

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 19 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 December 2025

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