Family Obligations

Family Obligation, Legacy, and the Formation of Career Aspirations Career aspirations do not emerge in isolation; they are cultivated within family systems that transmit values, identities, and expectations across generations. In collectivist societies especially, the family functions not only as a source of emotional support but also as a central decision-making authority. Educational and occupational…

Who Really Chooses a Student

Who Really Chooses a Student Students are encouraged to “follow their passion,” “discover their strengths,” and “become whatever they want to be.” But in many Asian societies, the reality looks different. A comprehensive review of 36 research studies conducted between 2005 and 2024 sheds light on how educational choices are influenced by powerful power of…

Role Models Influence

Beyond Passion: How Role Models Influence Academic Decision-Making in Asia Choosing what to study in college is one of the biggest decisions young people make. In many Western countries, students are often told to “follow your passion” and “do what you love.” The idea is that your choice should come mainly from what excites and…