The effects of paternal occupation and occupational mobility on the educational attainment and future occupation of the male child

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the effects of paternal influence on the child. Such influences include only those affecting occupational choice, occupational mobility and educational attainment. The investigation was carried out on representatives of two generations, where the data permitted. Paternal influence was found to be stronger in the first generation than in the second generation. Furthermore it was strongest in the suburban areas and least in urban areas. The first chapter deals with the formulation of the questionnaire used. It also deals with the results obtained from a pilot questionnaire together with alterations made to it. In the second chapter responses obtained from the questionnaire are sorted in to categories to facilitate analysis. Chapter Three includes the analysis of and observations on the collected data. The fourth chapter is a discussion of current views on the subject. Where applicable, these views are compared with the results obtained in this thesis. Chapter Five is a summary of the conclusions deduced from the results obtained. Such conclusions are particular to the Maltese situation.