One reason for that, historically in the US (and probably everywhere else) is that parents would pull kids out of school for weeks to 'do chores around the farm

One reason for that, historically in the US (and probably everywhere else) is that parents would pull kids out of school for weeks to 'do chores around the farm'. They'd fall behind their classmates. Guess who was expected to fix that. Parents who think education is worthless breed kids who fulfill that prophecy. Reap what you sow.