AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGION ON CAREER CHOICE AND SUCCESS AMONG CREEK TOWN PEOPLE, NIGERIA
1Bassey, Antigha Okon; 2Bassey, Umo Antigha and 3Omono Cletus Ekok
1&3Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Calabar
Unified Local Government Commission, Calabar, Nigeria
E-mail: antigha2k4@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on contemporary religious atmosphere in Africa. It examines the effect religion and career choice and setting with particular reference to Creek Town Community in Nigeria. The study relies mainly on qualitative research method using Focus Group Discussion and In-depth Interview. The study revealed that Creek Town People are predominantly Christian with some people still practising Traditional African Religion (ATR). Despite the religious perspective followed by the people, they are committed to their faith, religious activities and practices. The religious commitment provides focus for selecting occupation and profession through which their career is developed. The religious commitment translates to career commitment resulting in career success. The study was a descriptive analysis, describing data obtained from FGD and IDI where 10 and 4 participants and respondents were examined respectively. The study reveals that religion influence career choice and success positively in terms of prevailing religious practices in Creek Town being Christianity and ATR. The paper recommended further study in Northern Nigeria where Islamic religion prevails and also recommended that a National Policy on Religion be introduced by Nigerian Government to promote religion with positive impact on social life and regulate religious practices that breed intolerance.
Keywords: Religion, Career choice and Career Success