Investigating School to Work Transition in Rural Madagascar: Upper Secondary School Students' Career Plans and Their Decision Patterns

抄録

This study aims to understand the evolution of students' aspirations in relation to their backgrounds by looking at high school students' career plans and individual characteristics. It contributes to the ongoing discussion on the role of individuals' backgrounds in school to work transition in developing countries. High school students in the Itasy region of Madagascar were interviewed to this end. They were asked about their career plans and how they would adjust them to fit their actual contexts. The findings showed that: (1) Some students had stable aspirations regardless of reality; (2) Some lowered their expectations based on the experiences and observations of their family members; (3) Some students would engage in entrepreneurship if they were free to choose; and (4) Others considered self-employment a viable alternative. The evolution of their choice depends on internal and external factors. Those who lower their expectations could be better prepared for school to work transition compared to those who are rigid in their plans.