Differences in Self-Concept, Academic Orientation and Vocational Interests of Normal and Institutionalized Street Children in Lagos Metropolis

Abstract

The study investigated differences in self-concept, academic orientation and vocational interests between normal children and institutionalized street children in Lagos Metropolis. A sample of 120 children randomly selected from 2 rehabilitation homes, 2 private and 2 public schools within Lagos Metropolis was used. The conceptual hypothesis tested was that normal and institutionalized street children would not significantly differ in their selfconcept, academic orientation and vocational interests. Data were generated using Bakare's (1977) Vocational Interest Inventory (VII), Lipsitt's (1985) Self-Concept Scale for Children (SCC) and Hare's (1985) Self-esteem Scale (HSS). Univariate Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) and Chi-square Test were used to analyse the data generated. Results showed
similarities in the self-concept of all classes of children investigated irrespective of gender.
However, the children differed in academic orientation and vocational interests. These
findings were discussed in the light of their implications for bridging the gap between
street and normal children and recommendations were also made.

Keywords: Self-concept, Academic Orientation, Vocational Interest, Street Children.

International Journal of Educational Research Vol. 3 (1) 2007 pp. 1-12