Factors influencing occupational expectations of secondary school students in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Using data gathered through a questionnaire survey of a sample of secondary school students in Trinidad and Tobago, this study estimates a causal model relating to students' occupational expectations. It is found that occupational expectations are affected principally by parental influence and educational expectation, though academic performance, peer influence and socio-economic status also exert varying degrees of influence on students' occupational expectations. It is suggested that factors operate in such a way on occupational expectations as to make the achievement of a truly meritocratic system of social stratification in Trinidad and Tobago somewhat problematic