Exploring the Impact of Perceived Discrimination and Segregations on Career Choice among Building Technology Students in Developing Countries

Abstract

The disproportion of female students in Building Technology (BT) programs in Nigerian Universities persists, leading to unequal job opportunities and income generation, raising social inequalities. This disparity may be closely related to the low enrollment of females in BT compared to males and the unwelcoming and discriminatory environment within the field. This research was conducted in Nigeria and presents evidence of variations in students' career choices based on perceived discrimination, and how this factor impacts their academic perseverance. The research also delves into the segregation of female students and the correlation between segregation and perceived discrimination, offering new insights into the specific scenarios in which prejudice and segregation occur. The study involved seven-nine (79) students currently undergoing their undergraduate program in BT at the Federal University of Technology Yola as respondents. The study used a quantitative method, the results revealed significant disparities between male and female students regarding the factors that motivated them to enroll in the BT program. A noteworthy connection was found between female students' motivating factors for enrolling in BT, such as career awareness, and in terms of segregation, female students were notably less inclined to interact with male students.