Examining the influence of economic inequality on the likelihood of conflict between students and hostel owners in the University of Education, Winneba

Conflict between students and their hostel owners continue to pose a threat to students’ academic progress and the sanctity of their stay in such facilities. This paper aims at examining the impact of economic inequality on the likelihood of conflicts between students and hostel owners by exploring how economic inequality influences students’ choice of hostel, how economic inequality determines the relationship between students and hostel owners as well as the sources of conflict between the students and the hostel owners. The paper employed qualitative research approach with a case study design. 16 participants were conveniently sampled from selected hostels at the University of Education, Winneba, Winneba campus to provide relevant data to the study through face to face interviews. The study concluded that students’ choice of hostel is heavily dependent upon their economic status. It was pinpointed that students who are financially endowed have a healthier relationship with hostel owners and are being given the best treatment. It was identified that most conflicts between students and hostel owners stemmed from the lack of money to pay hostel fees on time and the inability of the hostel owners to renovate the hostels in order to make them befitting for students and to harness their academic fortunes. From the conclusion, the study recommends that, the university management should make available enough financial aids and grants specifically for housing costs and that a rent control policy should also be formulated to regulate hostel fees to prevent exorbitant pricing of hostels. Keywords: Economic Inequality, Conflict, Students, Hostel, Owners.