Role of Parents on Their Children's Educational Career Choices in Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores parents' influence on their children's educational career choice in Pakistan. This study was based on primary data collected from Class 9th and 1st year students of Government High School 157/E.B, Superior College Girls & Boys Arifwala and Harritage Girls and Boys College Arifwala. The data of 80 students was collected by a convenience sampling technique. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that parents play a substantial role in shaping their children's academic pathways, particularly through their educational background, financial capacity, and occupational expectations. The findings indicate that many parents support their children's autonomy, significant disparities exist based on socioeconomic class and educational awareness. Parental pressure, particularly in lower-income households, was found to limit students' freedom in career decision-making, often resulting in mismatches between students' personal interests and chosen academic paths. The study highlights the importance of fostering open parent-child dialogue and integrating parental guidance into career counseling programs. It recommends policy-level interventions, including seminars and school-based awareness initiatives, to promote informed and supportive parental involvement in students' career development.