Conflict in Parental Imposition of Career Choice on their Children: A Discourse Analysis of Ndi Nwe Egwu Written by Emmanuel Ibekwe

Abstract

The motivation for proposing this research work is to define the place and role of parents in their children’s choice of career and to encourage parents to effectively play that role in assisting and guiding their children, 
rather than imposition, in making the right career choices. A career is a chosen pursuit or course of business activity or enterprise, especially one’s professional life or employment that offers advancement and dignity. 
Career choice is a fundamental decision-making matter which has a far reaching impact on one’s life. This paper x-rays the conflict Echiebuka, the protagonist of Ndi Nwe Egwu, experienced as a result of opposing the career choice his father imposed on him. The statement of the research problem is that parents imposition or undue influence on the career choice of their children in most cases does not augur well with them and usually result in lack of self-actualization and fulfillment, disorientation, mediocrity and regret in life. The methodology adopted for this research is the descriptive approach while theoretical framework is based on Gordon Allport’s (1927) Trait Theory of human personality. The research findings revealed that Echiebuka suffered untold hardship, rejection, deprivation and family ostracism as a result of his refusal to read Law which his father wanted him to read in the university. He, instead, read Foundation of Igbo Language and Customs which he was interested in. Against all odds, he persevered, graduated with flying colours, secured a lucrative employment in his career field which brought him to the limelight and he found fulfillment in life. It concluded by recommending that parents should guide, encourage and support their children in making the right career choices rather than imposing or unduly influencing their children’s choice of career.