The Influence of Parental Religious Belief and Parental Gender on Gender Disparity In Choice of Discipline Among Undergraduate Students in Federal Universities In North West Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of parental socio-cultural factors on gender disparity in students? choice of academic disciplines in universities in North-West Nigeria. The problem addressed in the study arises from persistent inequalities in male and female participation across fields of study, particularly the underrepresentation of girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the concentration of boys in non-care professions. The study specifically examined how parental religious beliefs, parental gender, parental level of education, and parental occupational background contribute to gendered academic choices among undergraduate students. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated through expert review. The population comprised undergraduate students in selected universities in North-West Nigeria. Findings revealed significant associations between parental socio-cultural factors and students? gendered educational pathways. Parental religious orientation, gender norms, educational attainment, and occupational roles collectively shaped expectations, motivation, and discipline choices of male and female students. Results further showed that these parental influences reinforce gender stereotypes and contribute to unequal participation across academic disciplines. The study concludes that addressing parental socio-cultural constraints is essential to reducing gender disparities and promoting equitable access to diverse fields of study.
Keywords
Parental Factors, Socio-Cultural Influences, Gender Disparity, Academic Discipline, Undergraduates, North-West Nigeria.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Ahmed Kasimu, Maryam Yakubu, Abbas Alhaji Usaini "The Influence of Parental Religious Belief and Parental Gender 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 1151-1172 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712091
IEEE:
Ahmed Kasimu, Maryam Yakubu, Abbas Alhaji Usaini
"The Influence of Parental Religious Belief and Parental Gender 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/IREV9I5-1712091
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