The Influence of Parental Level of Education and Parental Level of Income on Gender Disparity in Choice of Discipline among Undergraduate Students in Federal Universities in North West Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the influence of parental socio-cultural factors on gender disparity in students’ choice of academic disciplines in universities in North-West Nigeria. Persistent differences in male and female participation across fields of study particularly the lower representation of females in science and technology programmes motivated the investigation. The study focused on how parental religious beliefs, educational background, gender roles, and occupational practices shape students’ academic pathways and reinforce gendered patterns of enrolment. A descriptive survey research design was employed. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire administered to undergraduate students across selected universities in the region. Findings indicated that parental socio-cultural factors significantly contribute to students’ gendered academic decisions. Parental beliefs about gender, religious expectations, educational attainment, and occupational identities were found to influence students’ perceived abilities, preferred career paths, and academic discipline choices. The study concludes that socio-cultural dynamics within households continue to reinforce gender stereotypes, thereby sustaining the imbalance in male–female participation across academic disciplines. Addressing these parental influences is essential for promoting equitable access and reducing gender-based educational disparities.
Keywords
Gender Disparity, Parental Socio-Cultural Factors, Academic Discipline, Higher Education, Nigeria, Enrolment Patterns.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Ahmed Kasimu, Abbaas Usaini Alhaji "The Influence of Parental Level of Education and Parental Level of Income on Gender Disparity in Choice of Discipline among Undergraduate Students in Federal Universities in North West Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 5 2025 Page 1173-1190 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712090
IEEE:
Ahmed Kasimu, Abbaas Usaini Alhaji
"The Influence of Parental Level of Education and Parental Level of Income on Gender Disparity in Choice of Discipline among Undergraduate Students in Federal Universities in North West Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(5) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712090
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
Important Links
For Authors
Volume 8:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 7:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 6:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 5:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 4:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 3:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12