Family Influence on the Choice of Careers in Home Science Education Programme

Many at times students experience challenges when making decisions on the choice of programmes to study especially at the institutions of higher learning. The family may play a role in shaping the career aspirations of its members. This study sought to establish the level of family influence on choice of Home Science Education programme in Kenyan Universities. The study was guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory that explores how career choices are made by self-efficacy, outcome expectations and personal goals. This study adopted the Convergent Parallel mixed method design employing both quantitative and qualitative approach. The study was conducted in Uasin Gishu and Kiambu counties which have universities with programmes that train Home Science educators. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two universities offering the Home Science Education programmes where 2 Heads of Department/Chairs of Department were purposively selected while the 254 students were conveniently selected. Data for the study was obtained by using questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussion guides. Quantitative data was analyzed and then presented using distribution tables and graphs. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and then used to compare with that of quantitative data. The findings of this study revealed that the family influence was considered to have a minor consideration in the choice of careers in Home Science Education programme. Majority of the respondents made their career choices in Home Science Education programme with minimal family influence. The study recommends the need to sensitize the family on their role of guiding their children in making career choices based on their own interests and disregard the family’s expectations on the society’s most preferred profession.