Investigation of the Relationship Between Family Socioeconomic Status and Career Aspirations of Senior Secondary Students in Katsina State

Family socioeconomic background shapes the occupational expectations and career aspirations of adolescents, and understanding this relationship in North West Nigerian communities is essential for equity-focused career guidance. This study investigated the relationship between family socioeconomic status and career aspirations among Senior Secondary School students in Katsina State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive correlational survey was conducted among 300 SS3 students from eight secondary schools in Katsina and Daura LGAs, using stratified random sampling. Family SES was assessed through parental education, occupation, and household income indicators. Career aspiration level, specificity, and type were assessed using a researcher-developed Career Aspiration Inventory validated for Nigerian adolescents. Spearman rho correlation and chi-square tests were applied. Results showed a significant positive correlation between family SES and the prestige level of career aspirations (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). Students from lower SES backgrounds were significantly more likely to aspire to locally available, lower-qualification occupations such as farming and trading. Exposure to career information was significantly higher among higher SES students (p < 0.01). Gender differences were pronounced, with female students from lower SES backgrounds showing the most limited aspirational range. Only 22.7 percent of respondents had accessed formal career guidance. The study recommends equity-sensitive career guidance programmes, career role model exposure for disadvantaged students, and community-based career information campaigns in Katsina State. Keywords: socioeconomic status, career aspirations, secondary school students, Katsina State, career guidance