INFLUENCE OF FAMILY FACTORS ON THE CAREER PREFERENCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BENIN CITY METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the influence of family factors on the
career choice of Senior Secondary School students in Benin City metropolis. To
guide the study, 3 research questions were raised which were formulated into
hypotheses. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The
population of the study was all S.S. 2 students in the 3 Local Government Areas
which make up Benin metropolis which are: Egor, Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha. The
study sample consisted of 240 students carefully selected using the proportional
stratified sampling technique from 7 selected public and private schools. A
structured questionnaire titled Family Variables and Career Choice
Questionnaire was used for data collection. The hypotheses where tested using t-
test and z-test (proportion). The findings of the study revealed that the Socio-
economic Status of the family, Family Involvement and Family Obligation
significantly influence the Career Choice of Senior Secondary School Students in
Benin City metropolis. It is recommended that significant career influences such
as the family, government, school counsellors and school administrators need to
be well equipped with correct and up to date information on career and work so
as to positively guide students regarding their career preference.