AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECT OF MOTHERS CAREER ON THE EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECT OF MOTHERS CAREER ON THE EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The need to ensure that all children in Nigeria have access to a high-quality education prompted the Federal Government to re-establish the universal basic education system, which mandates that all children in Nigeria attend school for free, from basic one to basic mine. Because of this need, the various levels of government have devised a set of incentives in the hope that they will persuade parents to enroll their children in school (Fagbemi, 2020). Because the quality of education in Nigeria has steadily deteriorated over the years in terms of achievement in written and oral exams, the Federal Government’s efforts have not yielded any fruitful results, despite the fact that government’s best efforts. The rate of student participation in examination malpractice has reached an alarming level, contributing to Nigerian students’ poor performance in public examinations such as those administered by the National Examination Council (NECO), the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Business and Technical Council (NBTC) (NABTEC). According to the portrayal, Nigerian students are more interested in engaging in shady academic activities than in actually studying. It has become a problem as a result of this change in the way the educational system operates, and the parties involved are investigating what factors may have contributed to this change. It has been proposed that one of the primary causes The country’s parents are contributors to the decline of virtue in Nigeria’s school system. Because of the rising cost of living, many mothers have chosen to work outside the home rather than fulfill their traditional responsibilities of caring for their children. Women are expected to stay at home and care for their families in Africa’s ancient social structures (Parker, 2020). Children learn about society’s standards and responsibilities through their interactions with them. During this time, the children mature into responsible adults with a strong moral compass and work ethic. Many women are compelled to work in today’s society because they are expected to contribute financially to the upkeep of their households and the economy. upbringing of their offspring. Equal access to educational opportunities for women has enabled them to excel in their academic and professional pursuits. Women work in a wide range of professions, including law, accounting, engineering, architecture, medicine, and aviation (Parker, 2020). The majority of these jobs do not give them enough time to fulfill the traditional responsibilities of housewives. As a result, parents will have to rely on the assistance of a third party to ensure their children’s health and safety. Where do the children of these women go while their mothers are at work? Are they capable of achieving the highest level of educational growth expected of them? Is it feasible for full-time working mothers?

to raise academically successful children? In light of this, the goal of this study is to look into the impact that women who work outside the home have on their children’s academic growth.

1.2 THE PROBLEM’S STATEMENT

There is a widespread misconception that working mothers have a negative impact on their children’s intellectual development. It is widely assumed that children raised by working mothers develop at a slower rate throughout their formative years (Parker, 2020). These children do not have the luxury of motherly care, and their mothers provide less assistance in terms of helping them with household chores. These children do not have the same opportunity.

to have motherly care. Because children are not under adult supervision when they are at home, they are more likely to be exposed to mainstream media, which does not portray healthy social standards.

These children have no one to turn to for help when they need it, despite the fact that they are the only people in their lives who can be trusted and relied on (Parker, 2020). As a result, they engage in a variety of social vices because the media, which has effectively become their “foster parents,” has taught them to behave in this manner. They engage in sexually immoral behaviors such as smoking, fighting, committing sexual immorality, and cheating on exams.

In order to investigate the impact of working mothers on their children’s educational growth, a significant number of them are succumbing to the effects of drugs, cigarettes, sexual abuse, homosexuality, alcohol, cultism, and street fighting.

1.3 THE STUDY’S OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of this study is to look into the impact of mothers’ careers on their children’s educational attainment. Specifically, the study’s sub-objectives are as follows:

i. To investigate the impact of mothers’ careers on their children’s educational attainment.

ii. Determine the extent to which mothers’ careers influence their children’s moral development.

iii. To determine whether mothers’ careers and levels of education have a significant impact on their children’s exam scores.

iv. To determine whether a lack of

The art of delinquency among schoolchildren is influenced by the mother’s career.

1.4 QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH

i. What effect does a mother’s career have on her children’s educational attainment?

ii. To what extent does a mother’s career influence her children’s moral development?

iii. Do mothers’ careers and levels of education have a significant impact on their children’s exam scores?

iv. Does a lack of attention caused by a mother’s career influence children’s delinquency in school?

1.5 THE STUDY’S IMPORTANCE

The rate of low academic achievement and morale among Nigerian schoolchildren necessitates a concerted effort to investigate the impact of working mothers on their children. These issues have piqued the interest of stakeholders.

in education, the family, and society. As a result, this study will provide some insights to all stakeholders in education, family, and society by bringing to light some fundamental but unresolved issues concerning working mothers and their children’s educational development. To that extent, it may serve as a foundation for government in developing good policies for women who work and raise children.

The study will also be important to the academic community because it will add to the existing body of knowledge.

1.6 THE STUDY’S OBJECTIVE

This study will look into the impact of mothers’ careers on their children’s educational attainment. The study will also determine how much mothers’ careers influence their children’s moral development. The study will also determine whether

Mothers’ careers and levels of education have a significant impact on their children’s exam results. Finally, the study will look into whether a mother’s lack of attention affects her children’s delinquency in school. As a result, the study will be limited to Akwa Ibom State.

1.7 THE STUDY’S LIMITATIONS

The researchers encountered minor constraints while conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. Inadequate funds tend to impede the researcher’s efficiency in sourcing relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection process (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher chose a moderate sample size. Furthermore, the researcher will conduct this study alongside other academic work. As

As a result, the time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Career mothers: These are women who have children while also working.

Impact: This is the effect of one variable on another. This study focuses on the impact that working mothers have on their children’s educational development.

Educational attainment refers to the children’s qualitative and quantitative development in terms of what they learn in school.