Rebecca Nyambura
Loading...
Date
2018-08
Authors
Mwose, Rebecca Nyambura
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study sought to establish the determinants of choice of the master’s programme
in gender and development studies in Nairobi County. Specifically, it focused on the
factors influencing the subject choice of gender and development studies and gender
related courses in selected universities in Nairobi County. The study was prompted
by the lack of consideration of gender social relations when students are making
subject choices. This occurs when there is underrepresentation of either male or
female students in a particular career choice. Consequently, there is lack of
accommodation of both perspectives in classes and career sectors which negates the
achievement of goals envisioned in Article 27 of the Kenyan Constitution which states
that women and men have the right to equal treatment including the right to equal
opportunities in political, cultural and social spheres. The purpose of the study was to
determine the factors that explain the choice of gender and development studies across
selected universities in Nairobi County. The study objectives were: to identify the
socio-cultural factors that influence students’ choice, to investigate the effect of
perceptions on choice, to identify the constraints that students face as they make their
choice and to suggest ways in which enrolment interventions can be made more
gender aware. The rational choice theory was used to show how both male and female
students make their career choices and how choice making is an individual process
which emerges as rational, when the chosen alternative is primarily based on the
student’s individual preferences. The study employed a case study design. Besides,
purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents for the study.
Interview guides and open ended questionnaires were the main data collection
instruments for the research whereby both qualitative and quantitative data was
generated. Qualitative data was analysed by use of themes and the coding technique
while frequencies and percentages were used in the analysis of quantitative data. The
study established that subject choice is influenced by a myriad of factors including,
influence from peers, parents and societal opinions. Also reference groups in the
society and environmental stimuli significantly contribute to subject choice. Lack of
gender awareness featured primarily when the students did not feel suited to the choice
they had made due to factors such as family advice and their educational background
constraints. Individual factors such as gender roles and responsibilities as well as
personal interests did not feature as factors that greatly influence gender
unresponsiveness. Finally, career counselling and mentorship programmes for the
students, seminars, outreach and sensitization programmes play a great role in subject
choice and resolving the lack of gender awareness before it occurs in career choice.
The study recommends that universities should initiate career education sessions that
address the lack of gender awareness through student sensitization so that they make
subject choices where they can actualize their potential.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts (Gender and Development Studies) Kenyatta University