Does Family Structure Matter? Comparing the Life Goals and Aspirations of Learners in Secondary Schools

Y

12

Family Structure; Secondary School Students; Student Educational Objectives; Academic Aspiration; Statistical Analysis; Comparative Analysis; Grade 11; One Parent Family; Questionnaires; Student Attitudes; Family Influence; Foreign Countries; Multivariate Analysis; Likert Scales

0256-0100

The aim of this study was to compare the goals and aspirations of learners from single- and two-parent families. The study used a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional comparative group design. The sample consisted of 853 Grade 11 learners from secondary schools in the Northern, Southern and Metro Central education districts in the Western Cape. The data were collected using the Aspirations Index and a short biographical questionnaire. The results suggest that there was a significant main effect of family structure on certain goals and aspirations of learners in secondary schools. These goals and aspirations included wealth, image, personal growth, relationships, and health. Furthermore, learners in single-parent families placed more emphasis on intrinsic goals.

As Provided

45

2017

EJ1135965