The Attitude of Female Mass Communication Students Towards Journalism as a Career

The Attitude of Female Mass Communication Students Towards Journalism as a Career.

Abstract

The researcher in this research work focused on the attitude of female mass communication believed that a large number of female mass communication students want to choose journalism as a career in our country but only a few go into the field to practice their journalism profession.

This is why the research dimmed it fit to research into the image of female mass communication students. Research questions are constructed to guide the researcher in her study.

Relevant related literature are reviewed to show that similar research work has been carried out and a theoretical framework has been discussed to support the study.

The survey method was adopted and this made it possible for the researcher to select an appropriate sample size of 150.

Using appropriate tools like questionnaires and personal interviews, the researcher was able to study the population and adopted a simple percentage and frequency table with simple descriptive analysis to explain the table.

Hypothesis which are formed from the research questions and tested to enable the researcher to know if certain claims she made on this work received statistical support or not.

Table of Content

Title page —————————————————————— i

Approval page —————————————————————ii

Dedication ——————————————————————-iii

Acknowledgement ———————————————————-iv

Table of contents ——————————————————— v

Abstract ———————————————————————-vi

Chapter One

1.0 Introduction ……………………………………………………………. 1

1.1 Background of the study …………………………………………… 1

1.2 Statement of the research problem ………………………………. 4

1.3 Objectives of the study ……………………………………………….6

1.4 Significance of the study ……………………………………………. 6

1.5 Research questions …………………………………………………..8

1.6 Research hypothesis ………………………………………………… 8

1.7 Definition of terms ………………………………………………….10

1.8 Assumptions of the study …………………………………………13

1.9 Scope of study ………………………………………………………13

1.10 Limitation of the study ………………………………………….14

Chapter Two

2.0 Literature review ………………………………………………….. 15

2.1 Sources of literature ………………………..……………………. 16

2.2 Review of relevant literature …………………………………….. 16

2.2.1 Female attitude towards journalist ………………………….16

2.2.2 Discrimination against female journalist ………………… 20

2.2.3 Reasons why female mass communication students shy away from journalism as a career …………24

2.2.4 Impressions about female journalists ………………………25

2.3  Theoretical framework ……………………………………………26

2.4  Summary of literature ……………………………………………28

Chapter Three

3.0 Methodology ……………………………………………………… 30

3.1 Research design …………………………………………………. 30

3.2 Area of study …………………………………………………….. 30

3.3 Population of the study ……………………………………….. 31

3.4 Sample size ……………………………………..……………….. 31

3.5 Sampling technique …………………………………………… 32

3.6 Validity of the instrument ……………………………………33

3.7 Method of data collection ……………………………………33

3.8 Method of data analysis ……………………………………..34

Chapter Four

4.0 Presentation and analysis of data ……………………….. 35

4.1 Data presentation and analysis ……………………………35

4.2 Hypothesis testing …………………………………………….45

4.3 Discussion of findings ………………………………………. 51

Chapter Five

5.0 Summary, conclusion and recommendations for

further study …………………………………………………….…54

5.1 Summary…………………………………………………………54

5.2 Conclusion …………………………………………………… 56

5.3 Recommendations for further study ……………………..57

5.4 References …………………………………………………….. 60

Appendix A ………………………………………………………… 62

Questionnaire…………………………………………………………63

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Journalism the work of collection, preparation, and distribution of related commentary and feature materials through such media as pamphlets, newsletter, magazines, radio, motion pictures, television, the internet and books.

The earliest known journalist’s product was a news sheet in ancient Rome called the ACTA DIURNA published daily from 59BC, it was hung in prominent places and recorded important social and political events.

Journalism in the 2oth was marketed by a growing sense of professionalism. In our society today it has been observed that female mass communication students have a negative attitude towards taking journalism as a career. This negative attitude is highly reflected in the number of mass media houses.

Almost all institutions of higher learning in Nigeria offer mass communication courses leading to the award of various degrees and certificates, including National Diploma, Higher National Diploma, Bachelor and Masters degrees.

The increase in the number of female graduates from all these institutions are not reflected in the media of communication in the country. Each year, hundreds of female students graduate as mass communications.

A close look shows that the number of female journalist students surpassed the number of males. But in the field today, a good number of those female graduates are not seen working in the various media houses scattered over the country.

References

Akinfeleye R. A.(1996) journalism education and training in Nigeria (203-205) Lagos: Nigeria press council.

Amao K.A (1999). Socio-cultural carriers to active participation of women in the economic development of nigeria. Awka Marpet educational research and publishers.

Beverly, A.S.(1995). Building gender fairness in schoold. USA southern Illinios: University press.

Bojuwoye, J (1987). Gender, identity status and career maturity of adolescent. Retrieved December 7, 2009, from http://www.krepublishers.com/02-journals/j.

Cambridge Advanced learner’s Dictionary (2^nd Ed) UK: Cambridge University press.

Chambers 211^st century Dictionary. (3^rd Ed) (2005) New Delhi: Allied publishers.