Relationship Between Socio-economic Background and Career Choice Among SS2 Students in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To find out the vocational/career choice of students in senior secondary schools in Gombe metropolis.
- To find out the factors that influence senior secondary school student’s career choice
- To find out if there is any relationship between parental occupation and their children career choice
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
The role of gender in students’ vocational choice cannot be ignored. In most parts of Nigeria, the cultural role expectations of men and women are known to be clearly defined. In the Nigerian society, boys and girls often undergo different socialization experiences and they tend to learn different gender role and behavior pattern and hence develop different interest. This roles and interest later become the dominant factors in career choice. Each individual undertakes the process which is influenced by many factors, including the context in which they live, their personal aptitudes and educational attainment (Bandura, Barbaranelli, Caprara and Pastorelli, 2001). Adolescent is an ideal time to study the career development of young people. It is during this period that many changes occur that strongly influence the development of career preferences and aspirations. Puberty and emerging sexuality leads to the intensification of gender role identity. Greater autonomy and independence contributes to the process of identity development. Career options and choices become more realistic as the adolescent gains a greater awareness of her skills and interest (Van Boxtel, 2002). Monks and Pool (2004) pointed out that career preferences are formed early in adolescence and, for both girls and boys are heavily influenced by gender role socialization; one of the earliest and thus, most powerful forms of socialization. The strength of this socialization often creates options (Pattom, 2000). Gender, achievement level, ages and school environment are all factors that may influence an adolescent career choice. School environment motivate the choice of career aspirations of both sexes. These are the kind of school environment they experience and the kinds of role modeling and attention they receive from their teachers. Gaier and Monaco, (1999) found that although there were no difference in career choice of boys base on school environment, girls from single-sex schools choose high prestige career than girls from co-educational environment. Thorbeck (2003) found that adolescent girls and boys use different methods and strategies to achieve career identities. According to Danzigler (2003), the career expectations of adolescent boys are strongly influenced by ability and academic achievement, whereas those of adolescent girls are influenced mainly by class background and parental expectations. In contrast to boys, girls are faced with a conflict between their future career choice and a commitment to marriage and family. Steel and Abeles (2004) stated that girls make decisions about how they will combine family and work before choosing a career. Adolescent girls have historically tended to aspire to low prestige careers than the boys. Girls are more influenced by social pressure in vocational development than boys. Danzigler (2003) avers that academic achievement tends to elevate the confidence of girls and motivate them towards higher career aspiration. High achieving adolescent girls occupy a unique psychological position with respect to career aspiration (Gassin 2003 et al) unlike their average achieving female peers, these girls must contend with their own internal identification as high achievers, the pressure those identification exerts, and expectations that their high achievement will continue. A high achieving or gifted girl is a challenge in the realm of career aspiration, perhaps more so than, other adolescents, as in forced to reconcile the conflict between her gender stereotyped role as a woman and her role as a potential contributor to society as a high achiever (Krama, 2001, Walker et al 1992).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Relationship between socio-economic background and career choice among SS2 students in Gombe metropolis, Gombe state, Nigeria. Gombe metropolis, Gombe state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain relationship between socioeconomic background and career choice among SS2 Students. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing relationship between socioeconomic background and career choice among SS2 Students
Summary
This study was on relationship between socioeconomic background and career choice among SS2 Students in Gombe metropolis. Three objectives were raised which included: To find out the vocational/career choice of students in senior secondary schools in Gombe metropolis, to find out the factors that influence senior secondary school student’s career choice and to find out if there is any relationship between parental occupation and their children career choice. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected secondary schools in Gombe metropolis. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study shows that the high premium of career aspiration or high profession is not in any way influenced by their parents; rather the choice was partly influenced by the student’s personal interest and ability. The study also shows that senior secondary school students are no longer interested in teaching as their aspired profession. Furthermore, students inspired for career different from their parents, given necessary support and encouragement by the parents, teachers and society with proper learning atmosphere
Recommendation
Guidance and Counseling units in the school should be made effective and functional.
An improved incentives for career masters in terms of guidance, personal welfare, imposed physical working condition, constant supply of informative materials related to career to broaden the search for career opportunity and allow the guidance masters to guide the students honestly.
Parents should cooperate with schools and guidance masters who acquired the student’s performance and capability to assist their children to select appropriate career.
References
- Dick, P. T., & Rallis, F. S. (1991). Factors and influences on high school students’ career choices. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 22(04), 281-292.
- Hahs-Vaughn, D. (2004). The impact of parents‟ education level on college students: An analysis using the beginning post-secondary students‟ longitudinal study 1990-92/94. Journal of College Student Development, 45,pp483-500.
- Hewitt, J. (2010). Factors influencing career choice. Cited from www.ehow.com on 15/02/2020.
- Hooley, T. (2012). How the internet changed career: framing the relationship between career development and online expertise. Journal of the General Institute for Career Education and Counselling (NICEC) 29.
- Holland, J. (1994) Self Directed Search. Odessa, FL: Resources of Psychological Assessment.
- Keller, B. K. (2004). Parental behaviours that influence adolescents career development. National career development association. Retrieved from http://associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/4911/_PARENT/layout.details/false
- Kerka, S. (2000). Career development, gender, race and class.Eric Clearing house on Adult Career and Vocational Education Columbus. ED 421641.
- Kitivo, E.M. (1989). A study of the relationship between Kenyan secondary school pupils‟ achievement motivation and educational occupational levels of their parents.Unpublished master‟s thesis; Kenyatta University
- Lankard, B. A. (1995). Family Role in Career Development. ERIC Digest No. 164.ERIC Identifier: ED389878. Retrieved from,
