Relationship Between Parental Socio-Economic Variables And Adolescents Vocational Aspiration

Abstract

This study is aimed at determining the influence of parental socio-economic variables on adolescents’ vocational aspiration. A stratified random sampling was used to select four schools from Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria and a sample of two hundred students (100 male, 100 female). Vocational Interest Inventory (VII) was used for data collection. Analysis of data was done using simple percentages for the research questions and chi-square for the hypotheses. The findings revealed that Parental socioeconomic status has strong influence on adolescents’ vocational aspiration, Adolescents’ vocational aspiration is not necessarily influenced by their parental level of education. Adolescents’ are well disposed to their parents’ vocation. Recommendations given includes admonishing parents not to project their aspirations/ambitions  on their children, the role of guidance counsellors in assisting a child realise his/her potential should not be underestimated, children should be allowed free rein in pursuing careers of their choice. It was recommended among others that parents should encourage the development of a secure and enduring attachment relationship with their children.

Keywords: Adolescents, parental influence, counsellors, vocational interest.