International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Social Determinants of Career Choice Among High School Students: A Literature Review

Career choice during adolescence is a critical developmental task that has long-term implications for educational attainment, employability, and personal well-being. Although numerous studies have examined factors influencing students' career decisions, evidence concerning the role of social influences remains fragmented across different theoretical perspectives and research contexts. This study aims to systematically review and synthesize the existing literature on the social factors affecting career choice among high school students. A systematic literature review was conducted using publications retrieved from major academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and ERIC. Eligible studies were identified through predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and subsequently analyzed using thematic synthesis. The review identified multiple interconnected social influences, including family, school, peers, media and social media, labor market conditions, national educational policies, cultural environments, technological development, and social role models. The findings indicate that these factors shape adolescents' career decisions by influencing career aspirations, occupational values, access to career information, and perceptions of future opportunities. Rather than acting independently, social influences interact dynamically throughout the career decision-making process. This review contributes to the literature by providing an integrated understanding of the multidimensional nature of social influences on career choice and offers practical implications for educators, career counselors, and policymakers seeking to strengthen career guidance for secondary school students.