The influence of family and socioeconomic status (SES) on IIUM undergraduate students` vocational decisions/choices

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between students’ vocational choice and the influences of family and socio-economic status among IIUM Undergraduate students. It was hypothesized that both family and socio-economic status would positively predict career choice students. Participants in this study were 321 students from different kulliyyah in IIUM Gombak Campus. Participants were drawn from the total population of IIUM Gombak campus. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and two research measures which are adapted from Career Decision Scale (Osipow etc, 1996) and Career Attitudes and Strategies Inventory (Holland and Goffredson, 1994). Results of Pearson Correlation suggest that family influences were positively related to students’ career decisions as hypothesized earlier. On the other hand, the researcher found that family socio-economic status was negatively related to career choice. In addition, the researcher also developed new research question and hypothesis which is concerning gender as one of the contributors in students’ career decision making. However, Pearson correlation results indicated that, gender have insignificant role on students’ choice. The researcher also included Islamic perspective on guideline to make a better career decision. Limitations, implications, and recommendations for future research and practice are also outlined.