ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF FAMILY BACKGROUND IN CAREER DECISION-MAKING AMONG NIGERIAN STUDENTS (A CASE STUDY OF PREMIER SCHOOLS)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background to the Study

Depending on the level of education and information about career alternatives, making a career decision can be easy or difficult. A career is viewed as a continuous process that occurs during the individual's formative stage and throughout their life (Lent & Brown, 2020; Xu, 2021). According to these definitions, a career is a part of all activities that take place before, during and after the decision to pursue a particular profession, including attempting to succeed during these periods and using various resources (Gati & Kulcsar, 2021 ; Hurst & Brantlinger, 2022; Sutiman et al., 2022).

 

Stress levels tend to increase during this time, making it more difficult for individuals to make good career decisions (Parola & Marcionetti, 2022). Choosing a career involves a lot of factors, many of which interact in intricate ways. Family background is the main focus of this study.

Family background, including socio-economic status, parental education, and family values, plays a big role in shaping the career choices of Nigerian students. Understanding how these elements influence decisions is important and requires deeper study.

Family background, which includes factors such as socio-economic status, parental education level and family values, plays a crucial role in the career choices of students in Nigeria. Understanding these dynamics is key to examining the design of educational and career pathways in Nigeria. Nigerian students frequently face distinct challenges and opportunities shaped by their family circumstances, and by examining these influences closely, we can better understand the delicate balance between personal aspirations and family expectations. Socioeconomic status is one of the most important factors influencing career decisions of Nigerian students.

 

According to Okoye and Nwosu (2020), students from wealthier families are more likely to pursue higher education and prestigious careers because they have better access to resources and support. On the other hand, students from lower-income households frequently experience financial difficulties that restrict their choices and force them to give priority to urgent and useful job prospects (Ojo, 2018). This gap shows how a family's financial situation can either open up or limit career opportunities.

Children's career choices can be greatly influenced by their parents' educational and career goals. Parents have great influence on their children's career choices by setting expectations based on their own experiences, values, and desires. Ijeoma and Okafor (2021) found that parents with higher levels of education are more likely to value education and pursue higher careers. This disparity emphasizes how important parental education is in determining students' goals and job choices.


Career decisions are also heavily influenced by cultural and family values. Students in Nigerian society are often relegated to careers that are considered prestigious or financially secure based on traditional values and expectations (Akinyele, 2022). For example, careers in engineering, law and medicine are often highly valued in Nigerian society.

 

According to Umar and Ibrahim (2023), students from families that place high value on these areas may feel pressured to pursue these areas even if they go against their own interests. These cultural pressures reflect family expectations and broader societal values that have a major influence on how people choose their careers.Top of Form

 

                                                                                        

1.2                      Statement of the Problem

The influence of family background on career decision-making among Nigerian students presents a critical issue that necessitates comprehensive analysis. Nigerian students' career choices are significantly shaped by their family’s socio-economic status, educational background, and cultural values. These factors create a disparity in career opportunities and aspirations, leading to uneven access to professional paths. According to Ijeoma and Okafor (2021), students from higher socio-economic backgrounds are often afforded greater educational and career opportunities compared to their counterparts from lower socio-economic families, who may face financial constraints that limit their career options (Ijeoma & Okafor, 2021). This discrepancy underscores the need to understand how family background impacts students' career choices and the subsequent implications for their professional futures.

 

Moreover, the role of parental education and cultural values further complicates the career decision-making process. Research by Adamu and Ibrahim (2019) highlights that students from families with higher educational attainment are more likely to pursue advanced and prestigious career paths, driven by their parents' expectations and experiences (Adamu & Ibrahim, 2019). Conversely, students from families with lower educational levels may experience less encouragement and support for higher education, affecting their career aspirations and choices. Cultural values and expectations in Nigeria also play a crucial role, with traditional norms often guiding students towards certain careers deemed prestigious or economically beneficial, which may not always align with their personal interests.Top of Form

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine Analysis of the Role of Family Background in Career Decision-Making Among Nigerian Students. Specific objectives of the study are:

1. To investigate the influence of socioeconomic status on career decision-making among Nigerian students.
2. To explore the role of parental expectations and values in shaping career aspirations among Nigerian students.
3. To examine the impact of family structure and dynamics on career decision-making among Nigerian students.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. How does the socioeconomic status of Nigerian students impact their career choices?
2. How do parental expectations and values influence the career choices of Nigerian students?
3. How does the family structure influence career aspirations among Nigerian students?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:

Ho: There is no significant relationship between family background (including socio-economic status, parental education, and cultural values) and the career decision-making processes of Nigerian students.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:

Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Guidance and Counselling sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.

Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organizations used as a case study.

Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is delimited to Premier Schools.  Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.

1.9 Organization of the Study

The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.

Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.

Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.

Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.

Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.

1.10 Definition of Terms

1. Family Background

 Refers to the socio-economic, educational, and cultural context in which a student is raised. This includes factors such as parental income, educational attainment, family values, and cultural norms that can influence the student's attitudes and decisions regarding their career path.

2. Socio-Economic Status (SES)

 A measure of an individual's or family's economic and social position relative to others, based on factors such as income, education, and occupation. In the context of career decision-making, SES can impact the resources available to students and their access to various career opportunities.

3. Parental Education

The highest level of education attained by a student's parents or guardians. This can influence a student's career choices by affecting their aspirations, expectations, and the level of support and guidance they receive in their educational and professional pursuits.

4. Career Decision-Making

The process by which individuals make choices about their future career paths. This includes evaluating career options, setting career goals, and making decisions based on personal interests, abilities, values, and external influences, including family background.

5.  Cultural Values

 The shared beliefs, norms, and practices that are prevalent within a particular cultural group. In the Nigerian context, cultural values can impact career choices by emphasizing certain professions as more prestigious or desirable and shaping students' career aspirations and decisions.

6. Educational Attainment

The highest level of education an individual has completed. This term is often used to describe the educational qualifications of students and their families, which can influence career opportunities and decisions. Higher educational attainment typically correlates with greater career opportunities.

7.  Role Models

 Individuals who serve as examples or sources of inspiration for others. In the context of career decision-making, role models are often people from the student's family, community, or broader society who influence the student's career aspirations and choices through their own career paths and achievements.

Get the Complete Project