The role of peer group influence in shaping career choices of rural youth in three Indian states

This study was carried out to examine the relationship between peer group influence and career decision-making among 900 rural senior secondary students from socio-cultural zones across three Indian states namely Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand. The study explored peer group influence among students across zones in Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand. To assess peer group influence at different levels, a self-structured peer group influence questionnaire was used to measure the extent of peer group influence perceived by senior secondary students for career decision making. Equal proportion of boys and girls were randomly chosen for the data collection. Frequency, Percentages and Z-Test were the statistical tools used in the study to analyse the results. Findings of the study revealed that peer group influence was highest in the Majha zone of Punjab and in Kumaon and Garhwal zone of Uttarakhand, with Mewat and Ahirwal in Haryana also showing elevated levels. Bagar zone had the lowest influence. Overall, peer group influence was greater in Uttarakhand than in Punjab and Haryana. The study revealed significant gender differences in peer group influence across various zones. In Punjab’s Doaba, girls experienced stronger peer influence, while boys reported higher influence at moderate and low levels. Similar patterns were found in Haryana’s Ahirwal and Mewat, with girls showing more high-level influence. In Nardak, more boys reported low influence as compared to girls, while in Kumaon (Uttarakhand), girls experienced stronger peer influence with a significant difference.