A SOCIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF PARENTAL DECISION MAKING ON CAREER CHOICES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

This study examines the impact of parents’ decisions on career choices among young people in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. This become necessary as the dynamics of parents’ values, socioeconomic standing, educational background, and professional experiences influence and impacted on the young people career choices among the people. The study adopted Social Cognitive Career and Ecological Systems theories to explain the issue under investigation and interviewed 20 respondents. The study was exploratory and purely qualitative; it made use of indepth interview guide in eliciting the required responses adopting a purposive and convenience sampling technique. The study revealed how parental guidance, individual goals, and socioeconomic background interact intricately to influence young people’s career choices in Akwa Ibom State. The parental decision-making has substantial impact on young people’s career choices in the study area. This is as parents placed emphases on both personal enthusiasm and financial stability of the young people against their interest and passion. The study recommended that parents should encouraged open communication about career aspirations of the young people while recognizing their interests and supporting them. Parents should provide balanced guidance, encouraged non-traditional career paths if they align with the interests of the young people. Career such as entrepreneurship and creative careers should be encouraged as these can help to break the cycle of financial insecurity among the young people of Akwa Ibom state. Governments and educational institutions should provide more financial aid, mentorship platforms, and networking opportunities to the young people of the state.