Factors affecting the participation of rural male students in two vocational subjects in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study focused on the factors that affect rural male students` participation in Fashion & Fabrics and Food & Nutrition in Zimbabwe. The qualitative research design grounded in the interpretive paradigm was used to generate relevant data. The three data generating instruments used were interviews and observation guides as well as document analysis. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. It was found out that male students have negative perceptions, which emanate from peer pressure. They also lack interest in the subject because the way they are socialized forces them to think that these practical subjects are feminine; there are no male teachers who teach the subject who would act as role models to the students; and parents and siblings do not support them as they consider the subjects to be expensive. It is recommended that responsible authorities are to erect suitable infrastructure for practical subjects and carry out fund raising activities in order to raise money to purchase practical subject materials. Workshops, seminars and career guidance are to be carried out to educate the students on the importance of these practical subjects in order to increase male students’ participation.