THE STUDY OF THE PREDICTIVE ROLE OF SOCIO ECONOMIC FACTORS AND PARENTAL EDUCATION ON STUDENTS' CAREER ASPIRATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SARGODHA

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the factors impacting the career choices of youth studying in Pakistan. The main purpose of this research was to determine the underlying variables that shape an individual's career choices through their different social and economic circumstances. This research was conducted on students currently enrolled at the University of Sargodha (UOS). Youth is the building block of any nation, if they are well-directed and aspired, they will achieve their goal, and they tend to do so. Social Learning Theory of Career Development and Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development were considered to study the impact of factors. Variables identified by other researchers such as parental education, previous education, household income, and residential area were studied. The current study utilizes a quantitative research design, employing logistic regression analysis. For the collection of primary data students between the age of 18-24 years old. The quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire survey with a sample size of 384 students. The thorough data analysis showed a positive relationship between the career aspiration of an individual with a father’s education, previous education, and residential area. However other variables don’t have any significant relation with career choices or aspirations. Individuals whose parents especially fathers’ were educated tend to have higher and clearer career aspirations. The study highlights the importance of considering social and contextual factors when analyzing career aspirations theories.