Abstract:

When it comes to making career decisions, socioeconomically disadvantaged learners may face more psychological challenges than their peers, including hesitation, powerlessness, and hopelessness. Due to their precarious circumstances, learners from socioeconomically poor backgrounds have historically had low self-efficacy, a lack of autonomy, and a sense of control. Conflict or trouble making decisions arises as a result, and this might show up as trait anxiety or, over time, chronic indecision that impacts life's purpose. In light of this, this study investigates how learners' individual capacities influence their choice of career in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. The study, which focuses on secondary school learners, examines important elements that influence learners' preparedness to make independent career decisions, such as resilience, self-assurance, and the capacity to overcome academic difficulties. Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) served as the theoretical underpinning for this study. using a qualitative research methodology that included convenience and purposive sampling methods, 23 Grade 12 learners from Gauteng township secondary schools were selected. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data, which were subsequently thematically analysed. The study uses qualitative interviews to gather information about how social and economic challenges interact with individual skills, showing how some learners evolve an innate desire for self-determination while others depend on external assistance from family, educators, and neighbours. The results show that although many learners have the fundamental skills necessary to choose a career, their socioeconomic background frequently influences their capacity to make self-assured decisions. To improve learners' ability to make career decisions, the study suggests creating career intervention and skills training programs in schools.

Keywords:

Career decision-making, Socioeconomic, challenged communities, learners’ capabilities, Self-efficacy.