Examining The Parental Influence on Students’ Educational Career Decision-Making Process: A Case Study of District Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

One of the most critical problems that students have to deal with in developing countries like Pakistan is their educational career decision-making process influenced by their parents. The current research explores the influence of parental education, family size, income level, and guidance on educational career choices of students within District Khairpur, Sindh. The descriptive survey design was employed based on both quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 320 students in both public and private institutions were used to gather data. Statistical methods such as regression analysis, chi-square, and reliability were used. The results indicate that parental impact is very strong in determining career choices of students; more so parental education and family size. Another limitation contributing to the issue highlighted in the study is the absence of formal career counseling services, meaning that students have to depend on parental choices greatly. The study ends with the policy implications that support the necessity of institutionalized career guidance programs in order to match the careers selected by the students with their abilities and interests.