EFFECTS OF STUDENT’S PERCEPTIONS ON MASTER’S CHOICE OF GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES AT THE MASTER’S LEVEL IN NAIROBI COUNTY

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed at investigating the effects of student’s perceptions on master’s choice of gender and development studies at the master’s level in Nairobi County.

Materials and methods: The study employed a case study design. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents for the study. Interview guides and open ended questionnaires were the main data collection instruments for the research. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques guided by the research objectives and research questions were used to analyze data. Qualitative data was analyzed by use of themes and the coding technique while frequencies and percentages were used in the analysis of quantitative data that was collected.

Results: The study found that women perceived gender and development studies as prestigious, participatory, empowering and economically sound. The effects of women’s perceptions they felt that they had made the right career choice and were confident despite of cultural constraints. Men perceived gender and development studies as a financially rewarding course but were more influenced by the patriarchal cultural ideals of the society. Perceived economic benefits therefore played a major role in the choice of gender and development studies.

Recommendations: The study recommends that universities should start career education sections to help resolve gender unresponsiveness through the creation of awareness about it by helping students to make subject choices where they can actualize their potential.