Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to explore the attitude and perception of female students towards journalism as a career. Journalism is a field that has historically been male-dominated, but in recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of women pursuing careers in journalism. However, despite this progress, there is still a gap in the representation of women in leadership positions within the industry. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach to gather data from female students studying journalism or related fields. Qualitative data will be collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to explore the attitudes, motivations, and perceptions of female students towards journalism as a career. Quantitative data will be collected through surveys to quantify the prevalence of certain attitudes and perceptions among the participants. The research will focus on several key areas including the factors influencing female students' interest in journalism, the perceived challenges and barriers to pursuing a career in journalism, the representation of women in the media, and the role of mentorship and support networks in shaping career aspirations. By examining these factors, the study aims to provide insights into how female students perceive journalism as a career and the factors that may influence their decision-making process. The findings of this research will have implications for journalism educators, industry professionals, and policymakers. Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of female students towards journalism can help educators tailor their programs to better support and encourage female students in pursuing careers in journalism. Industry professionals can use the findings to create more inclusive and supportive work environments for women, ultimately leading to greater gender diversity in the field. Policymakers can also use the research findings to inform policies that promote gender equality and diversity in the media industry. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing literature on gender diversity in journalism and provide valuable insights into the attitudes and perceptions of female students towards journalism as a career. By shedding light on these important issues, the study aims to promote greater gender equality and representation in the field of journalism.

Thesis Overview

On the yearly basis universities, polytechnics, media colleges and institutes are graduating students hopefully to work in form of the media but the reverse appears to the case among the students particularly female ones who prefer other careers. This opinion require the empirical studies to establish its real position; it is on this notion that this paper examines the attitude and perception of female mass communication students of Kwara State University, Malete towards chosen journalism or its related arms like public relations as a career. The research was anchored on individual difference and perception theory. Survey research method was adopted while questions were administered to the respondents within the institution were drawn using multistage sampling procedure from 100-400 level. The data collected were analysed and interpreted using descriptive statistics (frequency percentage and tables). Findings show that majority of the respondents did not wish to practice journalism despite the years spent in learning, stressing that journalism is time consuming job with no time for husband and children coupled with discrimination and other hazards attached to it especially during election, crisis etc. although some still believe that they can practice as either freelance or just as broadcasters. The research recommended that Media houses should make it as a point of duty to employ more of the female Journalists just like they employ the male Journalists. Men who are opportune to marry female Journalists should encourage them to practice their profession as this will broaden their horizon and also help the family to be current on things happening in the world while salaries of working Journalists should be increased so as to motivate and change the Negative Attitude of Female Mass Communication Students Towards Journalism A Career To Positive on one.