Impact of Post-Secondary Education on Future Aspirations of Female Students Studying at University of Rajshahi

Abstract

The prime goal of this research work was to find out the impact of post-secondary education on future aspirations of female Masters’ degree students (FMDS). The researcher wanted to find out about the future plans of those few women who did have access to higher education, i.e., how they wished to build their careers and contribute to their families, communities and their country, using their tertiary education. In its second phase, it endeavoured to find out the impact of achieving post-secondary education on future aspirations of women by comparing the future aspirations of female Master’s degree students’ with the aspirations of those women who did not acquire postsecondary education. As it comes up in the research, post-secondary education has a significant effect on shaping women’s dreams and a secured future. That is, postsecondary degree appeared as a positive factor in having a successful career, better family as well as a dignified social life. The methods used in order to achieve objectives of the study were both quantitative and qualitative in nature. With the help of social survey method and administering semistructured questionnaires, impacts of post-secondary education on future aspirations of female Master’s degree students have been discovered. About 150 female students of University of Rajshahi, who had already completed their Bachelor’s (Honours) degree and had enrolled into Master’s level of education (session 2009-2010) with their age ranging between 22 to 26 years, were selected as the respondents of this research work. They were selected by random sampling method. In order to find the impact of postsecondary education on future aspiration, matched pairs respondents (MPRs) of each of the FMDS respondents were selected. Matched pair of each of the FMDS respondents had similar age, father’s education, area of residence (rural/urban/sub-urban), and family income, but failed to achieve any post-secondary education, in spite of having completed higher secondary education. Impacts of post-secondary education on future aspirations were revealed through comparing the situation and opinions of the FMDS respondents and their matched pairs (MPRs) the most important facts that have been brought to light were that postsecondary education helped female students to become self-conscious and self dependent. Unmarried female Master’s degree students (FMDS) could play a vital role in selecting their own bridegroom at the time of their marriage. They could also gain the courage to reject marriage proposals with demands of dowry. Most of the FMDS had plans for a professional life. They were very much inspired to involve themselves in different socio-political activities to build the nation. The FMDS also had high ambitions regarding their children’s lives. Women with post-secondary education were better equipped to hold a high status in their own community, society and at national as well as international levels. The FMDS believed that their tertiary education would help them to go a long way in future. This study revealed that a less educated woman had a limited number of options as compared to a highly educated girl, who knew much more and could choose a better occupation in future by utilizing all the options she had. She knew which career would be better for her, and what type of person would be appropriate for her as a husband. She could always perform proper activities as a citizen. Post- secondary education also makes a woman empowered and helps to promote gender equity and encourages wider participation of women in the society. The study found that the post-secondary education was a significant factor that immensely influences the overall aspirations of women.