TITLE PAGETHE ATTITUDE OF FEMALE MASS COMMUNICATION STUDENTS

TOWARDS JOURNALISM AS A CAREER, IN FEDERALPOLYTECHNIC NEKEDE

OWERRIPRESENTEDBYOKOCHA ANN NKESI11E/0200/MCDEPARTMENT OF MASS

COMMUNICATION, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC

NEKEDEOWERRI, IMO STATE.A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN FULFILLMENT

OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF AN ORDINARYNATIONAL DIPLOMA

(OND) INMASS COMMUNICATIONJANUARY,2014.

APPROVAL PAGE

This is to certify that this project has been read and approved as an original work written and

submitted by OKOCHA, ANN NKESI in partialfulfillment of the requirement for the award

of ordinary National Diploma (OND), in the department of mass communication,

FederalPolytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo State.

……………………………….

…………………………………………..

MR. GODSWILL OKIYI MR. GOLDEN .O. OPARAEKEPROJECT SUPERVISOR HEA

D OF DEPARTMENT

…………………………………..

…………………………………………………

DATE DATE
DEDICATION

I dedicate this research work to my heavenly father, the God Almighty, who in his infinite

mercy saw me through all hurdles and finally, made it possible that this work turned out to be

a success, also to my loving brother Mr.King Okocha and sister Ihuoma favour Okocha.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I thank Almighty God for his mercy, direction, wisdom and good health he has given to me

throughout my life, stay in school and mostespecially during my project research work. I give

him the glory.I am most grateful to my supervisor, Mr. Godswill Okiyi who patiently

watched and corrected each step I made in my research work. Sir, youhave done a good

work, I must acknowledge.And also to my most loving and caring mother Mrs Nkechinyere

Okocha for her love, care and support, to my siblings Mr. King Okocha, Mr.ThankGod

Okocha, Miss Rita and Favour Okocha and also to my friends and love one for their care,

guide and support, am most grateful.

ABSTRACT

This study was focused on the attitude of female mass communication students towards

journalism as a career. It is believed that a large numberof female trained journalists are

produced from different higher institutions in our country, but only a few go into the field to

practice their journalism profession. This is why I dimmed it fit to research into the image of

female journalists. Research questions are constructed to guideme in my work. Relevant

related literature is reviewed to show that similar research work has been carried out, and a

theoretical framework has been discussed to support the study.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

…………………………………………………………..i

Approval page……………………………………………………ii

Dedication…………………………………………………………iii

Acknowledgement…………………………………………….iv

Abstract……………………………………………………………..v

Table of contents……………………………………………vi

-viii

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

……………………………………………..1

Background of the study

……………………………….1

-5

Statement of the research problem…………….5

-7

Objectives of the study………………………………..7

Significance of the study……………………………….8

-9

Research questions……………………………………….9

-10

Research hypothesis…………………………………….10

Assumption of the study……………………………...11

Limitation of the study………………………………….11

-12

Operational Definition of Terms………………….12

-14

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

………………………15

-16

Sources of Literature………………………………………16

Review of relevant Literature………………………17

-29

Theoretical Framework………………………………….29

-32

Summary of literature…………………………………..33

-34

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY
……………………………………………….35

Research Design……………………………………………35

Area of study………………………………………………….35

-36

Population of the study………………………………….36

Research sample and sampling techniques…36

-37

Instrument used for data collection…………37

-38

Validity of the instrument…………………………..38

Method of data collection……………………………39

Method data analysis…………………………………39

-40

CHAPTER FOUR

ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

…41

Analysis and Presentation of data……………..4

1-54

Discussion of findings………………………………….54
-57

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDIES

……………………………………….58

Summary………………………………………………………58

-60

Conclusion…………………………………………………..60

-62

Recommendation for further study…………..63

-64

Reference……………………………………………………..65

-68

Appendix……………………………………………………….69

-73
CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Journalism is the collection, preparation and distribution of news and related commentaries

feature materials through such media as pamphlets,news letters, magazines, Radio, motion

pictures, Television, the Internet and books.Journalism in the 20

th

century was marked by a growing sense of professionalism. In our society today it has been

observed that female student journalist have negative attitude towards taking journalism as a

career. This negative attitude is highly reflected in the number of mass mediahouses.

HISTORY OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE OWERRI HISTORICAL

BACKGROUND:

The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri started in 1978 as the College of Technology,

Owerri. It was established by the Imo State Governmentthrough Edict No. 16 of April, 1978.

It took off at its temporary site at the premises of Government Technical College

(GTC), Owerri along EgbuRoad in the same year, with an initial modest in take of

250 students.In 1981, the institution move to its present and permanent site located in

Nekede, about five kilometers from the metropolitan capital of ImoState, Owerri. The

campus comprises about 138 hectares of land.

By the Imo State Government Edict 0.61987, the name of the institution was change to “The

Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri”. Six ye

ars after and precisely on the 7

th

April 1993, the Federal Government took over the institution consequently. It was agai

n renamed “The Federal Polytechnic

Nekede, Owerri.

HISTORY OF MASS COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC

NEKEDE:

The idea of carving out a new department from the existing school of General studies was

conceived by management of the Federal Polytechnic between 2005/2006.But the new

department which happened to be mass communication came into being towards the end of

2006 when two pioneer staff wasemployed to kick off the purposed department.The two

pioneer staff is MR. V.O ALOZIE who was appointed head of the new department and

changed with the task of working out modalitiesfor its immediate take off and then Miss

Linda Okwoi (now Mrs Linda Ikechukwu) as an assistant Lecturer.MR ALozie kick started

the new department in December 2006 when he created five studios and offices for staff of

the new department.Then a total of Ten (10) staff was recruited in the department, other six

(6) Lecturers and four (4) Technologists. These were the academic staffthat started the new

department.By July 2007, students were admitted and finally the department became An

Academic study in August, 2007.The Department kicked off with five (5) studios

as follows:Radio studioTelevision studioPhotographic studio News writing/Graphics studio

andPublic Relations/Advert studioThe pioneer graduate of the department passed out in 2009.

1.2STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

This study was undertaken because of the low participation of the female journalist graduates

towards practicing journalism as their career.Despite the fact that there is considerably good

number of trained female journalists, very few of them are working with media houses

in Nigeria.

A large number of female journalists are produced from different institutions offering mass

communication, but female participation in the profession is very negligible.

According to Omenugha (2004:4) “one thing that is glaring in the Nigeria media is the near

absence of Nigerian women as news makers”.

Though Nigeria is developing It has gotten to a stage where the female journalist and their

male counterparts should be competing in the mediahouses.The number of female journalists

in the field is very few compared to the number that graduates from journalism schools and

universities. Thefemale tend to run away from practicing journalism. Women Journalists are

not often seen as lecturers neither do women help in the developmentand promotion of the

profession unlike in other professions where the female and male complete and seek

superiority over each other.This dormant attitude of females towards the profession has

resulted to the males claiming superiority over them in the field and as such not portraying a

good image of women in the society. This is because most men in the society believe that

Journalism exposes the practitioners andmakes the female counterparts loose their

dignity.Many female journalists who work in the media sometimes do not show keen interest

in their job. This affects the female practitioners as themale practitioners always tend or over

shadow them both in position and in interest to work.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Because of the way the image of our women in our society are been portrayed when it comes

to them practicing journalism as their profession,the study is therefore aimed at finding out

the Attitudes of female Mass Communication students Towards Journalism As a Career.This

study therefore tends to took into the image of women in the media and more also to find out

why there has been this imbalance in theworking ratio of male and female journalists.This

research work will also help to reveal why there is sharp contrast from the number of female

journalists that graduate from journalismschools and the number in the field.Finally, this

research work helps to give suggestion based on findings.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is very important because a lot of people are baffled over the issues of why

women do not take up journalism as a career afterstudies. It has really agitated created a lot of

controversies.I, therefore, deemed it fit to find out the reason for such negative attitude of

female towards journalism.Journalism as I could understand is very controversial and there is

no need to live on mere assumption. This study has therefore provided anavenue for an in-

dept study on the controversial issue of knowing the militants against the idea of women

going into journalism as career, how dothese women see the practice of journalism, do they

go into the study with the intention of practicing journalism or taking it up just as a career?A

also observed that female journalists do not only disengage in the practice of journalism but

also do not contribute in the development andachievement of journalism schools.According

to

Okunna (1990) “In most schools in Nigeria, women are not often seen as Lecturers both at

universities and polytechnics”.

They do not involve in the teaching of mass communication courses. Women prefer working

in other fields to the career of journalism.The study will serve as a resource material for

programme design and implementation in the effort concerning women in development and

tostudents of women studies, mass communication, and journalism. It will be a useful reading

and reference materials.

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. Do female mass communication students have negative attitude towards journalism as

a career?

2. Is there any discrimination against the women journalist?

3. Are the female journalists shy of carrying out their duty?

4. Are there wrong impressions about the female journalists?

5. Are the female roles as mothers and wives some of the problems facing female

journalists?

1.7 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Based on the research questions, the following hypotheses are derived:

HYPOTHESIS 1

H1 female mass communication students have Negative Attitudes toward Journalism as a car

eer.HO female mass communication students do not have Negative Attitude towards Journali

sm as a career.

1.8 ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY

A good number of professionals have already made similar studies of women image in the

media and their attitude towards journalism.In this study, I raised a number of assumptions.

I assumed that the attitude of the female mass communicators towards journalism as their

careeris very poor. I equally assumed that the way image of the women are being portrayed in

the society as journalists have created an imbalance inthe ratio of working male journalists to

their female counterparts.In essence, I deemed it fit to concentrate more on Nigeria female

journalists and the issues that affect them as working journalists.

1.9 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

I have decided to limit this study to the Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, female

students in mass communication department; it was thereforelimited to find out only the

Attitude of female mass communication students towards journalism as a career, including

the attitude of otherstowards female journalists.The ideal situation would have been to study

a much wider area and a larger number of female student journalists, and practicing

women journalists to enhance the reliability of the data and to make generalization more

appropriate. But due to financial constraints, it was limited to theinstitution mentioned above.
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS1.

STUDY:CONCEPUTAL:

This is an act of setting ones mind to Acquiring knowledge and understanding through

reading, research e.t.c.

OPERATIONAL:

It is an act of considering or examining something in detail. It can also be said to a piece of

research that examines a subjector question in detail.

2. ATTITUDE :CONCEPUTAL:

This is a way of thinking or the character which someone exhibits towards something or

somebody.

OPERATIONAL:

This is a way of feeling or your opinion about something or somebody.

OPERATIONAL:

This is a way of feeling or your opinion about something or somebody.

3. FEMALECONCEPTUNAL:

This is a particular sex or gender of the primate (Human being) that can give birth to children.

OPERATIONAL:

It is a situation of being a women or girl.

4. STUDENTSCONCEPTUNAL:

These are people who are studying in one school of higher learning or the other in other to

acquire knowledge.

OPERATIONAL:

These are group of people who are studying at a university or college.

5. JOURNALISMCONCEPTUNAL:
This is the work of collecting of writing and publishing of news stories and articles in

Newspaper and magazines or broadcasting them on Radio and Television to inform the

general public on things happening in the world.

OPERATIONAL:

It is a new effort in reporting in which professional communicators use social research

method to gather interpret and vividly present information to the target audience journalism

is therefore, the science of reporting.

6. CAREERCONCEPTUNAL:

This is a particular job or the type of job one do in other to earn a living.

OPERATIONAL:

It is the job or series of jobs that you do during your working life, especially if you continue

to get more money.

 CHAPTER TWO

2.0. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

In the research context, literature means of collection of printed materials provided in the

form of books, journals, magazines,newspapers, document abstracts, proposals report etc.

dealing with specific subject. According to Ogili (2005:42) saysThe review of literature

involvesBuilding your research project onSpecific foundation of earlierStudies in a given

area ofInterest literature here simplyMeans reference to earlier writerAnd relevant materials

to theChose research project topicOr problem literature makesUse of primary and secondary

sources.Therefore, literature review concerns with the exhaustive survey of what has been

alone or known on a given identified problem. It helps me todiscover the extent of work

or other studies done already in the problem area.

2.1. SOURCES OF LITERATURE

In order to make this research work an academic work a successful one, I deemed it

necessary to make use of journal, newspaper,unpublished materials, textbooks, articles, and

internet material as the sources of my literature for this study. Also questionnaires were

distributedas a primary source to gather data from my respondents.

2.2. REVIEW OF RELEVANT LITERATURES

In this area, it is assumed that similar studies haves been carried out on this particular topic

for this reason, review shall be done insubheadings according to the research questions such

that the main variable must be addressed. This will also help to broaden our knowledge onthe

issue at hand.

2.2.1. FEMALE ATTITUDE TOWARDS JOURNALISM

There may be saying that the women journals have negative attitude towards practicing

journalism as their career. There is also everyreason to believe that the Nigeria women have
made a significant entry into the journalism profession.In our country Nigeria today, if the

women journalists are having negative attitude towards journalism as their career, They are

not to be blamed because in Nigeria culture and religion have helped in making women silent

there by relegating them to the background and also denythem of their rights and privileges

they should enjoy as journalists and member of the society.According to the previous

researches in the media, global media monitoring project GMM? (2000,2005) and Okunna

(2005), indicates

that “The media are male dominated in terms of subject matter, news, and people who report

news, prominence of male and femal

e newsmakersand re

porters”.

Okunna (2000) supporting this nation statesGender relations in Nigeria are characterizedBy a

lot of imbalance to the disadvantage of womenTradition,culture, religion, and factors

havecontinued to widen the disparity between Nigerian menAnd women, by keeping women

in subordinate positions. Akinfeleye (1996) says that “There are 52 journalism/mass

communication training institutions offering various programmes from diploma to PhD and

degree in mass communication in Nigeria some of these institutions complied by him as at

1996 are university of Lagos, university

of Nigeria Nsukka, Bayero university, university of Maidugure, Nnamdi Azikiwe university

Akwa, Delta state university Abraka, KadunaPolytechnic etc. Also institution that offers

related cour

ces with number of student’s percentage of females and percentage of males are given in

the table below.

With a very close look at the table above, it is abvious that the number and percentage of

females in the institutions are greater than males. Thisstudy shows that female are willing to

study mass

communication and journalism as their career but Nigerian culture and religion won’t allow

them to practice it as their profession.Again, Nwodu (2005), presented a data on the overall

presence of women and men in the news and it is categorized in three distinctways which are

subjects, reporters and presenters.

The above table shows the respective number of females and males that occupy the position

of presenters, reporters, and subjects in the Nigeria,media. If we preach and practice gender

equality in all facts of our socio and females participation in journalism and news as

presenters, reportersand subjects should be equal. Contrary to expectation, data presented in

the above indicated that.

 Greater number of females appears in the media as presenters than males.

 The position of women as subject in the news quiet insignificant compared to men.

 Women issues received least mention in the news media.

42 (69%) out of the 61 news presenters were females while 19 (31%) were males, 4 (45%)

out of 248 subjects in the news werefemales while 206 (83%) were malesWith this, we have
seen that the only place for the women in the media houses is to become presenters. This is

because the society think or take itto be the only place the women can fit in and not going

long pressure and filled hours routine assignment and competition as reporters with themen.

With this, women going into the field at late hours to gather and repot news may be seen as

an abomination in the Nigerian traditions asthey are expected to be at home taking care of

their various families at that hour. This is why they are given a less hectic position in the

mediahouses.

2.2.2. DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN JOURNALISTS

Women studies which is basically women focused have in recent time received the attention

of UNESCO (1975-1985), the ten year,

“Toward Equality under the UN decade for women in African, Asra, Latin and

South American”, have brought women issues such as unequal

job opportunities, cultural barriers, low economic and political employment and human

abuses.Some Nigerians have established Non-Governmental Organization (NGOS) such as

women in Nigeria (WIN), Gender network (GRN),and Gender and Development Action

(GADA). Since it has been noticed that women are object of discrimination, all these was

established toadvance the needs of Nigerian women by calling for the abolition of obnoxious

cultural practices that have placed women at the backgroundmaking their participation in

both political, social and economic activities ineffective.

The position of women in the society and our different cultures makes the men and the

society at large discriminate against women

journalists. According to Hananiya (2004), she says that “The general view about the

women was always conceived within the co

ntext of the journalism or making a choice to practice journalism was considered rebellious

and unfeminine. The obsolete id

eas about women’s place in thesociety still tell on their position in the media houses and

journalism filled. Uzochukwu (2008:72) say “Women also have prob

lems of time given

their multiple and heavy domestic responsibilities”, traditional cultural attitud

e in most societies also discriminate against woman having accessto education. This can also

discourage them in the practice of journalism as girls are encouraged to get married and be

come house wives orencouraged to take up and other job which given them more time and

makes them responsible house wives than their journalism profession.There is also the issue

of gender bias in attitude towards women studying journalism or using information

technology as people hold the viewsthat women cannot think or work scientifically.It is not a

hidden fact that women are under-represented in the field of journalism. This maybe because

of the discrimination or the

basic assumption that “a women’s responsibilities should be her sole priority”, thereby

undermining he

r active participation and performance inthe practice of journalism. The issue of gender bias

too, contributes enormously to the low participation of women in journalism.

Anotherassumption militating against female participation according to Aniao (1999)

, is that “female sex is biologically not designed for energy exerting,hazardous occupation

and long hours field assignment. Supporting this, Beverly (1995) motes that the society

assumes that “wo

men should bemothers, school teachers, hairdressers, secre

taries, maids, and social workers only”. Therefore they do not need education or training in

other

fields like journalism.

2.2.3. REASONS WHY FEMALE JOURNALISTS SHY AWAY FROM PROFESSIONAL DUTY
In our society today because the women journalists are rarely seen practicing their profession,

people now see them or take them to beshy of carrying out their duty in the field of

journalism. In the real sense, they are not been naturally shy, it is the class which they are

been placed in the society that makes them shy away or pretend not to be interested in the

career. In Nigeria where people are raised in culture highlydominated can fit in and perform.

The effect therefore, is that women especially in Nigeria tend to shy away from other roles

they cancomfortably fit into.The issue here is that the women who read journalism as their

profession are not even given the opportunity to be employed and show what

stuff they are made up of. Supporting this okogie (2008) said “we have qualified,

professionalsdisciple

and responsible women who hold top position in this country, they should be given the

opportunity o serve. Nigeria has a wealth of knowledgeable women and resources that are

being

ignored and wasted. Maduragwu (2008:35) also said that “empowerment will en

hance the potentials of women in education, business, political

and skill acquisition.” Pointing out that it will help the women combat gender differences and

marginalization. In real life,

it is believed thatmotherhood leaves the African women at centre but not necessarily in

power.If the women can be given the opportunity to share outdoor work with the men to earn

a living, they will forget everything about shyness andhave the interest in practicing their

journalism profession. Women need to demonstrate their priceless abilities as mothers and

managers of thehome in such careers as journalism, and surely they would do better than our

men folks. Journalism is a profession for both men and women. Nigerian women should see

journalism as natural intelligence and sense of perfection which are natural

endowment and from God himself towomen.In the media houses, research has shown that the
numbers of female presenters are more than male. While the number of male reporters

aremore than female reporters. This shows that even in the media houses, the employers think

that the best place for the women is in the

sectionwhere they can present programmed. They believe that women can not devote enough

time, not strong orintelligent to go into the field together and report news. This makes women

not to be seen in the field work like their male counterparts and because of these, it then

seems as if they shy away from their profession.

2.2.4 IMPRESSIONS ABOUT FEMALE JOURNALISTS

The negative impression the society have about female journalists may be as a result of

our cultural and religion practices since negative cultural perception and social

expectation can impose lower status and devalued role on individuals

which in turn, can result in limited job or careerchoices, restricted opportunities and access to

training programmes and narrow stereotypical employment possibilities. In the Nigerian

situation,the parents or elders are believed to know the best and as such,

family or the parent’s dictates the type of occupation the children will chooseregardless of the

children ability and interest. The impression is that female journalists don’t need to be serious

about the

ir occupation or that theyare not meant to practice journalism as it keeps them away from

their husbands who are expected to be breadwinners for the family.Also, the impact of sexism

and negative female gender images in journalism is particularly alarming. In a follow-up

study, Okunna (200) foundout that the image of women in Nigerian home video films

generally is causing the society in general to perceive Nigeria women as easily lured by

material things, wayward and of low morality. Because of these, they are seen to be only

fit for domestic work rather than professional and

career roles. Okunna (1996) Based on her findings concluded that “The image of women in

the field of journalism is very negat

ive and capable of

negatively influencing the perception of women among the large society in the country”

2.3 THEORITICAL FRAME WORK: SOCIAL CATEGORIES THEORY

A theory is an organized systematic body of knowledge that explains natural phenomenon.

Theory according to Nwodu (2006:32) “

helpsresearchers to wisely organize, analyze and interpret data. It provides clear explanations

of realities based on objective and sustained observation”. Defleur et al (1971:196)., says “a

theory is a set of inter related generalizations, combined in such a way tha

t they form a logicalsystem of explanation in which one gener

alization does not contradict another”.

In a nutshell, a theory is all about proposition about how one concept relates to the other. It

also entails a clear explanation regarding why a particular concept behaves in a particular

way.Theoretical framework on its own is the conscious and deliberate decision that a

researcher has made in terms of theory or combination oftheories, which guide my research

effort. Also it is a section in research work which deals with the theoretical bent of the

work.In the course of this study I discovered that various theories of mass communication

discusses about the freedom, importance and functions ofthe mass media in the society and so

on. Regrettably, none of these theories have reference to this topic in study.Based on this, I

anchor my study on a theory that is relevant to my study which is social category theory; it is

only social categories theory thathas been observed to have similar modes of orientation and

behavior which relate people in the same social category to such phenomena as mass
communication and media in similar ways. It was also emphasized according to Agbo et al

(2000:151) that, “members of a partic

ular socialcategory will select more or less similar communication content and will respond

to it

roughly equal ways.” So most female mass communication

students who belong to the same social category in the society develop negative attitude

towards journalism as a career. As most of the femalecommunicators are negatively affected

by the discriminations from the society and our families, it shows that they have responded to

it.The issue here is that the way women are portrayed when they are seen practicing

journalism determines to a large extent how the public will perceive such an individuals. The

nature of journalism tends to posses questioning challenges that influences people’s

construction of reality.This is why women’s participation as journalists should be an issue of

great concern to both experts in media organizations,

higher institutions,the society at large and in our individual families in other to encourage

them in the practice of their profession.Because of the way our society, cultures and families

portray women who practice journalism, the female journalist students who can also

bereferred to as members of a particular social category will leave their journalism career for

other jobs and respond to it roughly equal ways.

2.4 SUMMARY OF LITERATURE

In summary, this literature review shows that women journalists are generally portrayed in

the society from the perspective of their culture,domestic roles, traditions, religions, or by

their sexual appeal to men. My research findings revealed that the way our society, culture

andreligions present women contributes either negatively or positively to their status in the

field or world of journalism.Also, some female mass communication students see negative

aspect of journalism on the grounds of hectic routine assignment, high pressure inthe field job
and late working hours. Though, some still find good reasons for studying journalism. This

study further indicates that female journalists quit the profession for motherhood and because

of the impression in the society that women who work in the media houses are little better

than prostitutes.In conclusion, our society, religions and cultures constitute the major

problems that lead to the liability of our women who study journalism ormass communication

to take it (journalism) up and practice it as their career. By reinforcing age-old stereotypes

and presenting journalism as amedia domain which has sustained the perception that

journalism is a public office and hectic or strenuous job for women.

According to Nwodu (2005) as mention in 2.2.1 above, state that “Women issues receive

least mention in the news media”. This is because the

number of female reporters is smaller than men and so they are unable to report female issue
CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 RESEARCH DESISGN

Study method is the research design adopted by

me survey, according to Nwodu (200:67) “is a research method, which focuses on

arepresentative sample, derived from the entire population of study”. I employed this method

therefore, goes into the field se

lects samples out ofthe entire population. It has to do with administering questionnaires

personally to gather data, and collection them back from the variousrespondents in other to

analyze the data fro a better result.

3.2. AREA OF STUDY

My area of study is the attitude of female mass comm. Students towards the practice of

journalism as a career. Specifically, the students

of mass communication in the above named institution, this is because the topic is “A study

of the attitude of female mass co

mmunicationstudents towards journalism as a career. It therefore means that the above area is

appropriate for the study.

3.3. POPULATION OF THE STUDY

Population of the study according to Ogili (2005:53) “involves a group of persons or

aggregate items, things I’m interested i

n gettinginformation from for the s

tudy”.

Therefore, the population that will be used for this study will be the students of mass

communication department of FederalPolytechnic NEKEDE Owerri which comprises of

2001 students. This figure was given to me by the head of department, mass communication.I
choose this population because the population will make it easier for me to extract the

research sample from it.

3.4. RESEARCH SAMPLE AND SAMPING TECHNIQUE

The research sample polytechnic NEKEDE Owerri, it will be drawn from the population of

the study which is two thousand andeleven. I demand it sit to use simple random sampling

technique which is a type of probability sampling to drive my sample for the study

whichamounted to a total number of 150 sample sizes.Uwakwe (2006:118) says th

at in this type of sampling, “each element in the sample has equal and independent of being

included in thesample”. Because of this, I choose this method as it gives all the students in

the four levels of the department the equal op

portunity of beenselected.

3.5. INSTRUMENT USED FOR DATA COLLECTION

The measuring instruments that will be used for this research work will be questionnaire and

personal oral interview. The questionnairehas close-ended questions. The close-ended

questions will be used to make study easier for me by making the responses measurable.

Theinterview on the other hand was used by me to interact with my interviews face to face in

other to get in-depth facts from them and also their personal opinions about the study.The

questionnaire also include an introductory letter,it will be hundred and fifty in number

and will be administered.

3.6. UALIDITY OF THE INSTRUMENT

The instrument used is questionnaire and personal interview; it is valid because it is ideal for

measuring what it is designed for, whichis the opinion of the students about the attitudes of

female mass communication students towards journalism as a career.

Obasi (2008:20) says “validity is the appropriateness’ of an instrument in measuring what is

intended to measure”,
for this reason, Iwent further to test the validity of my instrument by conducting a pilot study.

I constructed a questionnaire which comprise of is questions andtested it among a few student

journalists in the department of mass communication at caritas university.

3.7. METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

In this study, I adopted the primary method of data collection. Data for this study were

sourced from the primary sources. Thesesources include interview which conducted my-self.

It enabled me to collect data directly from my inter-viewer. Also questionnaire were used asa

primary source by me which I distributed myself to the respondents and also collected them

back personally to make sure there will be noalteration of any kind in the completed

questionnaires.

3.8. METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

I consider it best and appropriate to make use of frequency table presentation and simple

percentages, while simple descriptive analysiswill be used to infer meaning from the data in

the table for analysis because the results will be easily understood by both academicians, and

nonacademicians.I also understood more of the use of percentage than any other method of

analyzing data and also considers it a legitimate way of dataanalysis. Also the chi-square

goodness of fit test will be used to test some selected hypotheses.

CHAPTER FOUR

ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

4.1 DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

“Data analysis is an explanation of facts generated in the course of a study”. Nwodu

(2006:172). Also, Ikeagwu (1998:2

20) said that data can be

analyzed to “further the overall goal of understanding social phenomena achieved through the

process of description, explanat

ion, and

prediction”.

During the course of the field survey, I administered one hundred and fifty copies of

questionnaires and was able to collect all.Below is the table presentation and descriptive

analysis of the data gathered from the respondents.Question No 3: Do you agree that female

mass communication students have negative attitude towards journalism as a career?

From the table above, 70 representing 47% strongly agree that female mass communication

students have negative attitude towards journalismas a career. 20 respondents representing

13% agree that female mass communication students have negative attitude towards

journalism as acareer. 6 respondents representing 4% says they have no opinion if female

mass communication students have negative attitude toward journalism or not.

24 respondents representing 20% strongly disagrees that female mass

communication students have negative attitude toward journalism as a career.Therefore, with

70 respondents representing 47%, it is clear that female mass communication students have

negative attitude towards journalismas a career.Question No 5: Below is a list of profession

which would you recommend for women?

Table II

From the table above, it is shown that 38 respondents representing 25% recommends

journalism for women. 60 respondents representing 40%recommends teaching for women. 40

respondents representing 27% recommends private business for women. 4 respondents

representing 3%recommends modeling, while 8 respondents representing 5% recommends

Artist for women.

Therefore, with 60 respondents representing 40%, it is clear that teaching is most

recommended for women.Question No 7: Do you agree that there is discrimination against

the female journalists?

From the above, it is shown that respondents representing 40% strongly agree that there is

discrimination against the female journalists. 30respondents representing 20% agrees that

there is discrimination against the female journalists. 0 respondents representing 0% has no

opinionwhether there is discrimination against female journalists or not. 20% respondents

representing 13% disagree that there is discrimination againstthe female journalist. 40

respondents representing 27% strongly disagree that there is discrimination against the

female journalists.Therefore, with 60 respondents representing 40%, it is clear that there is

discrimination against the female journalists.

Question No 9: How would you assess the number of female journalists in the field?

The above table shows that 16 respondents representing 11% says that female journalists are

always shy at carrying out their duties.69respondents representing 46% says that female

journalists are not shy at carrying out their duties. 32 respondents representing 21% says

thatfemale journalists are sometimes shy at carrying out their duties, 30 respondents
representing 20% says yes that female journalists are shy atcarrying out their duties. 3

respondents representing 2% have no idea if female journalists are shy at carrying out their

duties or not.Therefore, with 69 respondents representing 46% it is clear that female

journalists are not shy at carrying out their duties.

Question No 13: Are the women who study journalism as their profession given

the opportunity to practice their profession?

From the table above, 96 respondents representing 64% says No that the women who read

journalism their profession are not given theopportunity to practice their profession. 43

respondents represent 29% says Yes that the women who read journalism as their

profession are giventhe opportunity to practice their profession, while 11 respondents

representing 7% have no opinion about it.Therefore, with 96 respondents representing 64%, it

is clear that the women who read journalism as their profession are not given theopportunity

to practice it.Question No 14: Do you agree that there are wrong impressions about female

journalist?
The above table shows that 70 respondents representing 47% strongly agree that there are

wrong impression about the female journalists. 36respondents representing 24% agrees that

there are wrong impressions about the female journalists. 9 respondents representing 6% have

noopinion if there are wrong impressions about the female journalists or not. 21 respondents

representing 14% disagree that there is wrongimpression about the female journalists.14

respondents representing 9% strongly disagree that there are wrong impression about the

female journalists.Therefore, with 70 respondents representing 47%, it is clear that there are

wrong impressions about female journalists.Question No 15: Do you agree that female

journalists find it difficult to get married?

From the above table, 14 respondents representing 9% strongly agree that female journalists

find it difficult to get married. 30 respondentsrepresenting 20% agree that female journalist

find it difficult to get married. 7 respondents representing 5% have No opinion if female

journalistsfind it difficult to get married. 47 respondents representing 31% disagree that

female journalists find difficult to get married. While 52respondents representing 35%

strongly disagree that female journalists find it difficult to get married.Therefore, with 52

respondents representing 35%, it is clear that female journalists do not find it difficult to get
married.Question No 16: Does journalism practice give enough time for other family

activities?

From the above table, 22 respondent representing 15% says yes that journalism practice gives

enough time for other family activities. 123respondents representing 82% says No that

journalism practice does not give enough time for other family activities, while 5

respondentsrepresenting 3% have no idea whether journalism practice gives enough time for

other family activities or not.Therefore, with 123 respondents representing 83%, it is clear

that journalism practice does not give enough time for other family activities.Question No 17:

Is it true that female role as mothers and wives are some of the problems facing female

journalists?

From the table above, 82 respondents representing 55% says it is very true that female role as

mother are some of the problems facing

female journalists. 36 respondents representing 24% says it is true that female roles as mother

and wives are some of the problems facing female journalists. 21 respondents representing 1

4% says it not very true that female role as mother and wives are some problems facing femal

e journalists. While 0 respondents representing 0% have no idea if female role as mother and

wives are some of the problems facing female journalists or notTherefore, with 82
respondents representing 55%, it is clear that female role as mother and wives are some of the

problems facing female journalists.

4.2 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Finding from the above research hypothesis tested, with chi-square statistical technique,

gained empirical support. The hypotheses supportedthe assumption that female mass

communication students have Negative Attitude towards journalism as a career.The out come

from hypotheses one tested positive which says that female mass communication students

have Negative Attitudes towards journalism As A career. This was proved to be true, given

the degree of freedom of and at 05 level of significance. The calculated value of 77 isgreater

than the table value of 9.488 thus giving credence to the fact that hypothesis I gained much

support.Also, hypotheses 2 equally tested positive. This is because the calculated value of

66.6 is greater than the table value of 9.488, thus givingcredence to hypothese 2. I therefore

accepted the alternative hypotheses (HI) which states that there is discrimination against the

female journalists, and rejected the null hypotheses (HO) which states that there is no

discrimination against the female journalists.Hypotheses 3 as well tested positive. This is

because the calculated value of 82.8 is greater than the table value of 9.488, thus giving

credence tothe fact that female journalist are shy at carrying out their duties.Hypotheses 4,

not withstanding, tested positive. This is because the calculated value of 8o.4 is greater than

the tabled value of 9.488, thus givingcredence to the fact that there are wrong impression

about female journalists. This made me to accept the alternative hypotheses (HI) and rejectthe

null hypotheses (HO).Finally, hypothesis 5 also tested positive. This is because the calculated

value of 136 is greater than the table value of 9.488, thus givingcredence to the alternative

hypothesis (HI) which states that female roles as mothers and wives are some of the problems

facing female journalists, and rejected the null hypothesis (H0) which states that female roles

as mother and wives are not some of the problems facing female journalists.During the
course of the field study, I also carried out personal interviews with a few number of persons.

The interviews was all about finding

out from them “The Attitude of female mass communication students Towards Journalism As

A Career.

At the end of the interview, I discovered that the number of the interviewees that support the

assumption that female mass communicationstudents have Negative Attitude Towards

Journalism As A Career, are greater than those not in support. This also made me to accept

thealternative hypotheses (HI) which states that female mass communication students have

negative Attitude Towards Journalism As A Career andrejected the null hypotheses (HO)

which states that female mass communication students do not have Negative Attitude

Towards Journalism AsA Career.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

I have exhausted sufficient efforts in the systematic arrangement of the work in sequential

order. The preceding chapters of this workhave among other things tried to summarily

review, discuss and interpret the attitude of female mass communication students towards

journalismas a career.In chapter one, I gave a detailed introductory over view on the history

of federal polytechnic Nekede Owerri, the history of masscommunication department in

federal polytechnic Nekede on how the female journalists neglect the practice of their

profession after studying itin the universities thereby creating an imbalance in the number of

female and male trained journalists working in the field.The chapter two of this work project

the literature that were used in building up this research work, how they were reviewed

rangingthe female journalists attitude towards journalism as a career, discrimination against

women journalists, reasons why female journalists shy awayfrom their duties and impressions

about female journalists. All these were reviewed to know more about the reason behind the

negative attitudeof female mass communication students toward journalism as their

career.Chapter t

hree on it’s treated the issue of research methodology ranging from the research design, area

of study, population and sample

of the study which realized using the simple random sampling technique. My method of

investigation was based on the copies of questionnairesthat were distributed to the selected

respondents.In chapter four, data presentation was done through analytical process that

followed each table and the tables were properly interpretedaccording to the data computed

there in. the chi-square goodness of fit test was adopted as a means of testing the hypotheses

formula in theresearch work. The chapter therefore contains 15 tables in all which gave a

detailed and quantified explanations of data gathered in the course ofthis study.In chapter
five, I gave summary of the whole work done in this research work, the findings, conclusion

and recommendation. To this

end Nwodu (2006) states “summary should be brief of all that was done in the study, a tie up

of what was done in study”. This

very chapterfinally brought the entire study or study to an end while making some

explanations and giving recommendations on the way forward.

5.2. CONCLUSION

Based on the findings, it has been observed that most of the female mass communication

graduates would want to practice journalismon graduation. Yet, majority of them still believe

that teaching is the most suitable job for women because it offers more time for

familyactivities. This means that certain perceived difficulties like discrimination which

female journalists face could be reduced or curtailed if theychoose teaching their career.From

the analysis gathered in this project also, there is no doubt to believe that female mass

communication student have negativeattitude towards journalism as their career. Also, the

necessary findings of this study as seen in the five hypotheses tested, all received

statisticalsupport.Again, the findings of study shows that Nigerian culture, the society, and

over different religions and beliefs, have contributed so muchin the negative attitude of

female journalists towards journalism. The position of women in the society and our

difference cultures as mother andwives also make men discriminate against female journalists

as the concept of a woman practicing journalism or making a choice to practice journalism

was considered rebellious and unfeminine. All these and many other reviews are pointing

at the society, traditions, culture and manyother reviews are pointing at the society, traditions,

culture and our different religions as the major contributors to the negative attitude of

female journalists towards journalism as a career.Despite the negative attitudes of female

journalists towards journalism as a career, I was able to discover that in as much as the
female journalists have negative attitude towards journalism, they can still do much better in

the field, if not better than their male counterparts. But thiscan only happen if they are given

the opportunity to practice what they have studied without being discriminated against.

Supporting this, fedler

et al (2005) says that “female journalists should be proud of themselves wherever they find

themselves as they cannot be defe

ated by their male

counter parts or other females who read other professions”.

5.3. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Having critically the attitude of female mass communication students towards journalism as a

career, I hereby make the followingrecommendations for further study thus

Media houses should make it as a point of duty to employ more of the female journalists just

like they employ the male journalists.

Our families, religions, cultures and the society should stop the discrimination against female

or women this will help the society to seethe female journalists as important as their male

counter part. When this is done, the female journalists will be encouraged to go intothe field

and face the challenges of the world with their male counter parts.
Those media houses that have employed women should not only employ them as presenters

but also assign them to the field asreporters so that they will see feel the fun of journalism.

When this is done, their negative attitude will automatically change to positiveand this

encourage more female journalists to seek for employment in the media houses as reporters

and freelancers.

Men who are opportune to marry female journalists should encourage them to practice their

profession as this will broaden theirhorizon and also help the family to be current on things

happening in the hoard.

Salaries of working journalists should be increased so as to motivate and change the negative

attitude of female mass communicationstudents towards journalism a career to positive on

one.

Working female journalists should be seen as being equally faithful as their counterparts in

other and not as promiscuous as people seethem.

Other working conditions such as good housing, less time in the office and respect for women

journalists should be looked so as toencourage the upcoming female journalists.

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Enugu:Ruwil Nudas publishers.Ogili, E.E. (2006). Project writing:Research Best practices.
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complete course. Enugu:Ex Kelle publishers.Uwakwe, O. (2006). Manual for writers and
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(2004, May 13). Women and Local Government Election statesman, P.6.Maduagwu,
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Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. (2
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APPENDIX
Department of mass communication,Faculty of social science,Federal polytechnic
Nekede,Imo state.Dear respondents.I am OKOCHA ANN NKESI of mass communication
department, a final year student of the above named institution and I am
conducting an academic research on “The Attitude of Female Mass Communication Students
towards Journalism as a Career in Fe
deral
Polytechnic, Nekede Imo State”
This attached questionnaire is a part of my research work for the of a National Diploma in
mass communication.You are kindly requested to answer all the questions as written in the
attached questionnaire by ticking the appropriate answer given therein shall be treated with
utmost confidence.Thank you for your kind co-operation.Yours faithfully,Okocha Ann Nkesi
QUESTIONNAIRE
Please tick in the box provided against your choice of answer.1.

Please tick the correct active Age15-17 20-25 26-352.

Level ND I NDII HND I3.

Do you agree that female mass communication students have Negative Attitude towards
journalism As career?(a)

Strongly Agree (b) Agree (c) No opinion(d) Disagree (e) strongly disagree.4. Which of the
following professions would you like to practice?(a) Journalism(b) Teaching (c) business(d)
Modeling(e) Artist5. Below is a list of professions which would you recommended for
women?(a) Journalism (b) Teaching (c) Business(d) Modeling(e) Actor6. Journalism as a
career is good for women. Do you agree?(a)

Strongly Agree (b) Agree (c) No opinion(d) Disagree(e) strongly disagree.7. Do you agree
that there is discrimination against the female Journalists?(a)

Strongly Agree (b) Agree (c) No opinion(d) Disagree (e) strongly disagree.8. As an
up coming graduate of journalism, it is preferable for the women to teach in journalism
school or to practice in the field?(a) Strongly preferable (b) preferable(c) strongly not
preferable (d) Not preferable9. Do the number of female journalists in the field affect female
attitude towards practicing journalism?
(a) Yes (b) No (c) Can’t say
10. How would you assess the model standards of female
journalists?(a) very good (d) good (c) very bad ](d) Bad (e) No idea11. Are the women who
study journalism as their profession given the opportunity to practice
their profession?(a) No (b) Yes (c) No opinion12. Do you agree that there are wrong
impressions about female journalists?(a)

Strongly Agree (b) Agree(c) No opinion(d) Disagree

(e) Strongly disagree.13. Does journalism practice give enough time for other family
activities?(a) Yes (b) No (c) No idea14. Do you agree that female journalists find it difficult
to get married?(a)

Strongly Agree (b) Agree(c) No opinion (d) Disagree(e) Strongly disagree.

15. Is it true that female role as mother’s and wives, some of the problems facing female
journalists?
(a) Very True (b) True (c) Not very True(d) Not True (e) No idea