STUDY OF THE DETERMINANTS OF VOCATIONAL CHOICE AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
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STUDY OF THE DETERMINANTS OF VOCATIONAL CHOICE AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
This study investigated the influence of parents and peer groups on the career choices of secondary school students. The relationship between parental and peer group influences and career choice was examined using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. The study was guided by one research question and one hypothesis.
Three research instruments were employed: the Occupational Clusters Preference Scale (OCPS), the Peer Pressure Assessment Scale (PPAS), and the Parental Influence Assessment Inventory (PIA).
The study population consisted of students in Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). Results indicated that there was no significant relationship between parental and peer group influence and career choice in the humanities among secondary school students.
It is recommended that counselors work directly with both parents and peers on career development, aiming to enhance positive influences, which may ultimately improve the career development prospects of future workers.
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding the interrelationships between career choice, peer group influence, and parental impact. The focus has increasingly shifted to identifying the factors that guide individuals towards specific careers.
As children grow, their achievements and aspirations become a significant concern for their parents. Young adolescents are expected to set high aspirations and work towards achieving their career goals. Furthermore, the prestige associated with certain careers often plays a crucial role in shaping their career choices.
Education, economic incentives, peer group pressure, and parental influence frequently exert significant pressure on adolescents, sometimes pushing them toward predetermined careers without fully considering their individual potentials, needs, or personal inclinations.
The allure of certain careers may often prove to be illusory. Research has consistently highlighted the impact of familial context and the goals set by families on career choices. Trost and Levin (2000) suggest that the family significantly influences a child’s behavior and character.
Similarly, Tella (2003) found that parents play a critical role in shaping their children’s career foundations. Wikelund (2006) also noted that the more involved parents are in their children’s education—by monitoring homework, encouraging extracurricular activities, participating in parent-teacher associations, and helping children plan for their future—the more positive the academic outcomes.
Research by Alika and Egbochuku (2009) further supports this notion, indicating that parental influence, particularly the socio-economic status of parents, plays a substantial role in shaping the educational attainment and career choices of adolescents.
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