International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance
2019

Parental role in shaping immigrant children’s subject choices and career pathway decisions in Australia (Article)

Kewalramani S.* , Phillipson S.
  • a Faculty of Education, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Level 3, Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, Melbourne, VIC 3199, Australia
  • b Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Mail H80 PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia

Abstract

This study draws upon Vygotskian mediation and internalisation constructs to investigate how parental beliefs, values, expectations and familial acculturation processes can shape immigrant children’s secondary schooling subject choices within an Australian context. Using a case study approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 parents and their 12 children from three Australian secondary schools. Findings revealed that parents’ beliefs, values for education, their own past educational and career aspirations inclusive of perceived acculturation barriers guided children’s career pathway decisions. The paper discusses the significance of optimising immigrant parents’ role within the platform of home–school partnership. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V.

Author Keywords

Immigrant parental beliefs Student subject choice Career counselling in high school

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85065239338&doi=10.1007%2fs10775-019-09395-2&partnerID=40&md5=bd9dee927df27309a605ff6fe0dba503
DOI: 10.1007/s10775-019-09395-2
ISSN: 02512513
Original Language: English