Factors Influencing Occupational Aspirations among Girls in Secondary Schools in Nairobi Region – Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to find out the factors, which influence occupational aspirations of girls in secondary schools. This study focused on the premise that the occupational aspiration for girls is majorly influenced by the stereotypes in the socialization process that dictates on what are and should be. The result is that majority of secondary school girls end up choosing wrong and unfulfilling careers. This study was carried out in two girls’ secondary schools in Nairobi region- Kenya (day and boarding). The rationale for the selection of the schools was based on the oldest and biggest in the region. Form four girls formed the study sample. Their inclusion was based on the assumption that they were mature and had selected their examinable subjects which eventually determined the careers they were likely to engage in. Survey design was employed as it allowed the collection of the data through a designed questionnaire. A total of 87 female students participated in the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that there are factors that affect secondary school girls’ occupational aspirations, grounded on the family settings, parenting, siblings, and other relatives. Other factors were the students’ personality and self-esteem, the school environment, friends and role models. The identified strategies to enhance positive occupational aspirations included the provision of adequate information on career choice, role models, guest speakers, deliberate motivation for girls to do well in school and a favorable environment for girls to do well and aspire for good careers.