MOTHERS’ WORKING STATUS AS CORRELATE OF CHILDREN’S SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Adesoji A. Oni, and S. A. Dosunmu

Department of Educational Foundations, University of Lagos, Akoka – Yaba, Lagos

Department of Educational Foundations and Counselling Psychology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos

E-mail: aoluoni@yahoo.com, simipure@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The study investigates mothers’ occupational status as correlate of children’s social adjustment in Lagos, Nigeria. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. A self-designed instrument using 4-point Likert-type rating scale was used for collection of data. Descriptive survey research design was employed in this study.  The sample for the study comprised 160 SS2 students selected from four secondary schools from two local educational districts of Lagos State, Nigeria.  The statistical technique employed for the analysis of data was the t-test. Analysis of data and results led to the rejection of all the hypotheses. Recommendations were made that efforts must be made to help children to develop positive social adjustment, while there should be standard day-care centres for the children of working mothers to serve as substitute care givers. The society must also be ready and willing to give each individual an opportunity to function in accordance with his capabilities.