ROLE OF CULTURAL STEREOTYPES AND RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT ON CAREER ORIENTATION AMONG YOUTH

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the influence of cultural stereotypes and restrictive environments on career orientation among youth aged 17 to 25, alongside certain demographic characteristics. A sample of 320 participants (58.7% females, 41.3% males) participated using structured sampling. Instruments included career orientation scales and measures of environmental and cultural perception. Findings revealed that stereotypes and restrictive environments exhibited a strong positive correlation (r = 0.853, p < 0.001), indicating that environments perceived as restrictive are often closely linked to reinforced cultural stereotypes. The dependent variable, career orientation, was moderately influenced by stereotypes (r = 0.447, p < 0.001) and restrictive environments (r = 0.459, p < 0.001). A weak but statistically significant correlation was observed between gender and career satisfaction (r = 0.105, p < 0.05), suggesting minimal but present gender differences in career satisfaction levels. Additionally, work experience showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.423, p < 0.001) with entrepreneurial career paths, suggesting that greater work experience increased the likelihood of participants pursuing entrepreneurship. Higher academic qualifications were associated with broader career aspirations, while restrictive family and home environments negatively affected career orientation. These results highlight the significant impact of psychosocial factors, such as stereotypes and restrictive environments, on career orientation and satisfaction. Addressing these influences can inform policy and educational interventions, fostering inclusive environments that promote diverse career opportunities.