The influence of home environment on the career choice of standard nine pupils in Mohlakeng secondary schools in Gauteng
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of the home environment on the career choice of
Standard Nine pupils in Mohlakeng, Lunasands, Swaneville and Bekkersdal. A group
of 240 pupils were selected from the two secondary schools, i.e. Phahama Secondary
School and A.B. Phokompe Secondary School for this purpose.
A greater understanding of the squatter communities and township communities was
necessary as well as insight into the career guidance programme for secondary schools
of the former Department of Education and Training. This will help the reader to
visualise the scenario in these communities.
During the literature study the background to the establishment of the squatter areas in
South Africa was closely examined in order to identify the causes and results of
squatting. The negative effects of both squatter areas and township areas on school going
children were examined. The relationship between these two areas was
discussed.
The literature study was also aimed at gaining insight into factors that affect the career
choice of pupils from squatter and township homes.
In the empirical research that followed, a questionnaire was devised and given to a
sample of pupils from Phahama and A.B. Phokompe Secondary Schools to complete.
The SAS-computer programme was applied to determine the average of the responses
for each question.
A complete analysis of the investigation results indicated that home environment plays
a major role in the career choice of the Standard Nine pupils. The career indecision of
most of the squatter pupils is a result of not enough role models in their immediate
environment.
One can suggest that greater emphasis on the empowerment of parents; would lead to
pupils making a responsible and informed career choice. This in turn will mean the full
utilization of untapped human potential which is present in abundance in this country.
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