The Effect of Socio-cultural Factors on the Career Aspirations of Secondary Schools’ Students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

1Dr. Alam Zeb, 2Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali and 3Mian Said Hussain*

1. Assistant Professor Center for Education and Staff Training, University of Swat, KP, Pakistan
2. Professor Institute of Education & Research, University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
M. Phil Scholar Center for Education and Staff Training, University of Swat, KP, Pakistan
Socio-cultural factors determine students’ future careers in secondary schools. This study investigated the effect of socio-cultural factors on career aspirations of secondary schools’ students. Study’s objectives were to; find out the effect of socio-cultural factors on career aspirations of students and develop strategies for the career guidance of students. Study’s design was quantitative. Its population was 30439 students. The sample 380 was selected with simple random sampling. A questionnaire was developed, validated and piloted for collecting data. Data were gathered with self-administered questionnaires and analyzed with mean scores, standard deviations and the chi-square test. The study found that socio-cultural factors significantly affect students’ career aspirations. Moreover, societal demands, culture, gender stereotypes, role models and social media shaped career aspirations. Study recommended the facilities of career guidance in schools and career orientation sessions for students to have appropriate career aspirations at secondary level.