EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AND CAREER ASPIRATION AMONG YOUNG WOMEN IN AKUNGBA AKOKO ONDO STATE
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of educational attainment on the career aspirations of young women in Akungba Akoko, Ondo State. Amidst government efforts to bridge the gender gap in education, significant disparities persist, largely due to socio-cultural and economic factors. The purpose of this research was to identify the specific barriers and influencers shaping the educational and professional pathways of young women in the region. The study was guided by three research questions focused on educational attainment, the effect of cultural norms on career aspirations, and the role of financial resources.
A descriptive survey design was employed, with a study population of young women aged 15-25. Using a stratified random sampling technique, a sample of 150 respondents was selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which demonstrated strong validity and a reliability coefficient of 0.82. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with IBM SPSS (version 26).
The findings revealed that educational attainment is significantly influenced by access to resources (x̅=3.01), availability of scholarships (x̅=3.00), and parental support (x̅=2.99). Conversely, cultural and societal norms were found to strongly affect career aspirations, with a cultural emphasis on marriage over career (x̅=3.00) and negative stereotypes about women's abilities (x̅=2.98) being highly influential. Furthermore, financial resources were identified as a critical factor, with the high cost of school fees (x̅=3.03) and a general lack of funds (x̅=3.00) serving as major barriers to both education and career choices.
The study concluded that financial constraints and restrictive socio-cultural norms are primary impediments to the educational and career advancement of young women in Akungba Akoko. It is recommended that government and NGOs expand financial aid programs, that community leaders work to dismantle negative gender stereotypes, and that mentorship and resource access be improved within educational institutions to empower young women to achieve their full potential.
Keywords: Influence, educational attainment, career aspirations, young woman
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