Parental Influence on Career Choice: Examining the Consequences of Forcing Children to Study Medicine and Health Science Courses

Abstract

Career choice is one of the most important decisions that a young person has to make. In many African communities, and particularly in strongly family-oriented cultures, parents have a big say in the educational and career course of their children. Medicine and allied health sciences are often perceived as prestigious, secure and socially respected professions. This has caused some parents to insist that their children pursue careers like medicine, nursing, pharmacy, medical laboratory science, physiotherapy, radiography, dentistry and other health-related disciplines. Parents can give direction, encouragement and financial assistance which can positively influence job development but too much control by parents can be damaging if children are prevented from pursuing their own interests, abilities and aspirations. Research in medical education reveals high parental expectations may be connected with ambivalence regarding the field of medicine and may contribute to longer-term burnout. This article discusses the causes of parental pressure, the potential academic, psychological, professional and societal impact of forcing children into medical and allied health programs and the ramifications for families, educational institutions and healthcare systems. It means parents should lead by example, not tell their children what to do. To be a successful healthcare worker, you need academic capacity, but you also need a real passion in the work, devotion to it, resilience, empathy and a sense of vocation. Hence career counselling, informed parental engagement and respect for children’s different strengths are crucial.