Family Background and Peer Influence as Detrminants of Career Aspirations among Criminology Students

Abstract

Career aspirations play a crucial role in shaping students’ future professional paths, particularly among criminology students who aim to pursue careers in law enforcement, public safety, and the justice system. This study examined the influence of family background and peer relationships on the career aspirations of criminology students in a private Higher Education Institution in Zamboanga del Sur using a quantitative approach with a descriptive–correlational research design. A total of 238 respondents were selected through stratified random sampling, and data were collected using modified survey questionnaires. Statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, and multiple regression analysis were utilized in the analysis. Findings revealed that respondents generally have a good to very good family background, with parental occupation receiving the highest rating, while peer influence was high, particularly in peer modeling. Students also demonstrated a high level of career aspirations, especially in motivational aspects. Results showed significant positive relationships between family background and career aspirations, as well as between peer influence and career aspirations. Regression analysis further indicated that parental education, socioeconomic status, family structure, and peer modeling significantly predict career aspirations, with parental education as the strongest predictor. The study concludes that supportive family environments and positive peer interactions play a vital role in strengthening students’ motivation, skill development, career planning, and confidence in pursuing their professional goals, while personal motivation and both family background and peer modeling jointly shape students’ preparedness and commitment toward future careers in criminology.