A Phenomenological Study on the Effect of Birth Order on the Career Choice of Senior High School Students of Looc Integrated School S.Y.2017-2018

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Deciding on a career is a crucial part for the students, especially for the Senior High School students as it is considered a stepping stone towards their future. Selecting a career is associated with different aspects. Birth order has long been an important factor in certain social customs and life experiences that includes opportunities for reproduction, emigration, decision, inheritance practices, and choice of profession as well. Within the family, the role of birth order appears to be considerable in the expression of personality social attitudes and family sentiments. The researcher decided to conduct this study to determine the effect of birth order on the career choice of the Senior High School students ofLoocIntegrated School S.Y. 2017-2018.

METHODS

This study used descriptive design under qualitative approach. The researcher chose Grade 11 students ofLoocIntegrated SchoolS.Y. 2017-2018 using purposive sampling. To analyze the data gathered during the interview, the researcher utilized thematic analysis.

RESULTS

This study revealed that the responsibility that the participants hold according to their birth order has significant effect on the career choice of the participants. Four (4) out of five (5) participants considered the sake of their family in choosing a career. The participants find it hard to know what career they want to pursue someday and based on the study; birth order has an effect in a way that expectation of the parent of the participants plays an important role in choosing a career. The participants considered the following factors in choosing a career: financial stability of family and personal interest. According to the participants, the need for financial stability and their personal interests are the major factors the participants consider in choosing a career.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher concluded that birth order plays an important role in the lives and experiences of the oldest child, second/middle child, youngest child, and the only child in terms of choosing a career. The findings revealed that birth order is considered a great factor relative to the responsibilities given to the oldest, middle, youngest or even an only child. The researchers recommend to further research on the birth order and family constellation with situations of miscarriages, twins, adoptions, and bigger family constellations and family structures.