1- Ph.D. Student, Department of Sociology, CT. C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Sociology, CT. C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. , z.hazratisomeeh@iauctb.ac.ir
3- Department of Sociology, CT. C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (12 Views)
Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of the market economy on students’ field-of-study selection in Tehran’s upper secondary schools.
Methods: This applied research employed a descriptive-survey design. The statistical population included all male upper secondary students in Tehran during the 2021–2022 academic year. A sample of 383 students was selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. In the qualitative phase, 8 educational and economic experts were interviewed until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The instrument’s reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded coefficients of 0.891 for the market economy scale and 0.717 for the field-of-study selection scale. Face and content validity were confirmed by a panel of experts. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and coding techniques.
Results: The results of Pearson correlation and regression analyses indicated a significant relationship between the market economy and students’ field-of-study selection. Among the examined variables, communication needs had the strongest effect on the role of the educational system in the selection process, with a regression coefficient of 0.350.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that the educational system should be revised to place greater emphasis on communication and management skills. Such reforms may help students make more informed decisions about their academic future in line with labor market demands.
Type of Study:
Original |
Subject:
Educational Studies Received: 2025/08/19 | Accepted: 2025/11/12 | Published: 2026/03/1