TITLE PAGE

THE ATTITUDE OF FEMALE MASS COMMUNICATION STUDENTS TOWARDS JOURNALISM AS A CAREER, IN FEDERAL
POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE OWERRI

PRESENTED

BY

OKOCHA ANN NKESI

11E/0200/MC

DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE

OWERRI, IMO STATE.

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF AN ORDINARY
NATIONAL DIPLOMA (OND) IN

MASS COMMUNICATION

JANUARY,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 partial
fulfillment of the requirement for the award of ordinary National Diploma (OND), in the department of mass communication, Federal
Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo State.

………………………………. …………………………………………..

MR. GODSWILL OKIYI MR. GOLDEN .O. OPARAEKE

PROJECT SUPERVISOR HEAD 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 most
especially 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, you
have 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.

Okocha Ann Nkesi

1
 .

ABSTRACT

This study was focused on the attitude of female mass communication students towards journalism as a career. It is believed that a large number
of 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 guide
me 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.

Okocha Ann Nkesi

11E/0200/MC

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

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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……………..41-54

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

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 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 20th 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 media
houses.

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 Government
through Edict No. 16 of April, 1978. It took off at its temporary site at the premises of Government Technical College (GTC), Owerri along Egbu
Road 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 Imo
State, 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 years after and
precisely on the 7th April 1993, the Federal Government took over the institution consequently. It was again 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 was
employed 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 modalities
for 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 staff
that 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 studio

Television studio

Photographic studio

News writing/Graphics studio and

Public Relations/Advert studio

The pioneer graduate of the department passed out in 2009.

1.2 STATEMENT 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.

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 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 media
houses.

The number of female journalists in the field is very few compared to the number that graduates from journalism schools and universities. The
female tend to run away from practicing journalism. Women Journalists are not often seen as lecturers neither do women help in the development
and 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 and
makes 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 the
male 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 the
working 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 journalism
schools 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 after
studies. 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 an
avenue for an in-dept study on the controversial issue of knowing the militants against the idea of women going into journalism as career, how do
these 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 and
achievement 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 to
students 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 career.
HO female mass communication students do not have Negative Attitude towards Journalism as a career.

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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 career
is very poor. I equally assumed that the way image of the women are being portrayed in the society as journalists have created an imbalance in
the 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 therefore
limited to find out only the Attitude of female mass communication students towards journalism as a career, including the attitude of others
towards 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 the
institution mentioned above.
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. 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 subject
or 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. FEMALE
CONCEPTUNAL: 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. STUDENTS
CONCEPTUNAL: 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. JOURNALISM
CONCEPTUNAL: 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. CAREER
CONCEPTUNAL: 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.

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 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) says

The review of literature involves

Building your research project on

Specific foundation of earlier

Studies in a given area of

Interest literature here simply

Means reference to earlier writer

And relevant materials to the

Chose research project topic

Or problem literature makes

Use 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 to
discover 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 distributed
as 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 in
subheadings according to the research questions such that the main variable must be addressed. This will also help to broaden our knowledge on
the 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 every
reason 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 deny
them 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 female newsmakers
and reporters”.

Okunna (2000) supporting this nation states

Gender relations in Nigeria are characterizedBy a lot of imbalance to the disadvantage of womenTradition,culture, religion, and factors have
continued to widen the disparity between Nigerian menAnd women, by keeping women in subordinate positions
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 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, Kaduna
Polytechnic etc. Also institution that offers related cources with number of student’s percentage of females and percentage of males are given in
the table below.

I n s t i t u t i o n s N o o f s t u d e n t s % of females % o f m a l e s

Uni university with mass communicatio n 1 6 3 0 4 7 5 3

Uni university with related courses 9 2 0 5 2 4 8

P o l p o l y t e c h n i c 9 8 5 5 4 . 5 5 3 . 5

1 0 8 5 5 4 4 6

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. This
study 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 distinct
ways which are subjects, reporters and presenters.

F e m a l e s M a l e s F e m a l e s M a l e s Total subject
Presenters 6 9 % 3 1 % 4 2 1 9 6 1
R e p o r t e r s 5 % 9 5 % 4 7 1 7 5
S u b j e c t s 1 7 % 8 3 % 4 2 2 0 6 2 4 8

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, reporters
and 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 were
females while 206 (83%) were males

With 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 it
to be the only place the women can fit in and not going long pressure and filled hours routine assignment and competition as reporters with the
men. 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 as
they 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 media
houses.

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 to
advance the needs of Nigerian women by calling for the abolition of obnoxious cultural practices that have placed women at the background
making their participation in both political, social and economic activities ineffective.

8
 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 context of the
journalism or making a choice to practice journalism was considered rebellious and unfeminine. The obsolete ideas about women’s place in the
society still tell on their position in the media houses and journalism filled. Uzochukwu (2008:72) say “Women also have problems of time given
their multiple and heavy domestic responsibilities”, traditional cultural attitude in most societies also discriminate against woman having access
to education. This can also discourage them in the practice of journalism as girls are encouraged to get married and be come house wives or
encouraged 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 views
that 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 her active participation and performance in
the practice of journalism. The issue of gender bias too, contributes enormously to the low participation of women in journalism. Another
assumption 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 “women should be
mothers, school teachers, hairdressers, secretaries, 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 be
shy 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 highly
dominated can fit in and perform. The effect therefore, is that women especially in Nigeria tend to shy away from other roles they can
comfortably 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 enhance 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 that
motherhood 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 and
have the interest in practicing their journalism profession. Women need to demonstrate their priceless abilities as mothers and managers of the
home 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 to
women.

In the media houses, research has shown that the numbers of female presenters are more than male. While the number of male reporters are
more than female reporters. This shows that even in the media houses, the employers think that the best place for the women is in the section
where they can present programmed. They believe that women can not devote enough time, not strong or
intelligent 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 career
choices, 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 choose
regardless of the children ability and interest. The impression is that female journalists don’t need to be serious about their occupation or that they
are 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) found
out 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 negative 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) “helps
researchers to wisely organize, analyze and interpret data. It provides clear explanations of realities based on objective and sustained

9
observation”. Defleur et al (1971:196)., says “a theory is a set of inter related generalizations, combined in such a way that they form a logical
system of explanation in which one generalization 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 of
theories, 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 of
the 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 that
has 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 particular social
category 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 female
communicators 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 be
referred 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 and
religions 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 in
the 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 or
mass communication to take it (journalism) up and practice it as their career. By reinforcing age-old stereotypes and presenting journalism as a
media 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

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 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 a
representative sample, derived from the entire population of study”. I employed this method therefore, goes into the field selects samples out of
the entire population. It has to do with administering questionnaires personally to gather data, and collection them back from the various
respondents 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 communication
students 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 in getting
information from for the study”.

Therefore, the population that will be used for this study will be the students of mass communication department of Federal
Polytechnic 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 and
eleven. I demand it sit to use simple random sampling technique which is a type of probability sampling to drive my sample for the study which
amounted to a total number of 150 sample sizes.

Uwakwe (2006:118) says that in this type of sampling, “each element in the sample has equal and independent of being included in the
sample”. Because of this, I choose this method as it gives all the students in the four levels of the department the equal opportunity of been
selected.

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 questionnaire
has close-ended questions. The close-ended questions will be used to make study easier for me by making the responses measurable. The
interview 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, which
is 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, I
went further to test the validity of my instrument by conducting a pilot study. I constructed a questionnaire which comprise of is questions and
tested 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. These
sources include interview which conducted my-self. It enabled me to collect data directly from my inter-viewer. Also questionnaire were used as
a primary source by me which I distributed myself to the respondents and also collected them back personally to make sure there will be no
alteration of any kind in the completed questionnaires.

11
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 analysis
will be used to infer meaning from the data in the table for analysis because the results will be easily understood by both academicians, and non
academicians.

I also understood more of the use of percentage than any other method of analyzing data and also considers it a legitimate way of data
analysis. 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 (1998:220) said that data can be
analyzed to “further the overall goal of understanding social phenomena achieved through the process of description, explanation, 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?

V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
S t r o n g l y A g r e e 7 0 4 7 %
A g r e e 2 0 1 3 %
N o o p i n i o n 6 4 %
D i s a g r e e 2 4 1 6 %
S t r o n g l y d i s a g r e e 3 0 2 0 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

From the table above, 70 representing 47% strongly agree that female mass communication students have negative attitude towards journalism
as a career. 20 respondents representing 13% agree that female mass communication students have negative attitude towards journalism as a
career. 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 journalism
as a career.

Question No 5: Below is a list of profession which would you recommend for women?

Table II

V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
J o u r n a l i s m 3 8 2 5 %
T e a c h i n g 6 0 4 0 %
P r i v a t e B u s i n e s s 4 0 2 7 %
M o d e l i n g 4 3 %
A r t i s t 8 5 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

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.

12
 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?

V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
S t r o n g l y A g r e e 6 0 4 0 %
A g r e e 3 0 2 0 %
N o o p i n i o n 0 0 %
D i s a g r e e 2 0 1 3 %
S t r o n g l y D i s a g r e e 4 0 2 7 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

From the above, it is shown that respondents representing 40% strongly agree that there is discrimination against the female journalists. 30
respondents representing 20% agrees that there is discrimination against the female journalists. 0 respondents representing 0% has no opinion
whether there is discrimination against female journalists or not. 20% respondents representing 13% disagree that there is discrimination against
the 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?

V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
V e r y l a r g e 1 9 1 3 %
L a r g e 2 4 1 6 %
V e r y s m a l l 6 6 4 4 %
S m a l l 3 9 2 6 %
N o i d e a 2 1 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

The above table shows the various responses which states that 19 respondents representing 13% says that the number of female journalist in the
field is very large. 24 respondents representing 16% says the number of female journalists in the field is large. 66 respondents representing 44%
says the number of female journalists in the field is very small. 39 respondent representing 26% says the number of female journalist in the field
is small. And 2 respondent representing 1% have no idea on the number of female journalist in the field.

Therefore, with 66 respondents representing 44% it is clear that the number of female journalists in the field is very small.

Question No 12: Are female journalists shy at carrying out their duties?

V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
A l w a y s 1 6 1 1 %
N o 6 9 4 6 %
S o m e t i m e s 3 2 2 1 %
Y e s 3 0 2 0
N o i d e a 3 2 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

The above table shows that 16 respondents representing 11% says that female journalists are always shy at carrying out their duties.69
respondents representing 46% says that female journalists are not shy at carrying out their duties. 32 respondents representing 21% says that
female journalists are sometimes shy at carrying out their duties, 30 respondents representing 20% says yes that female journalists are shy at
carrying 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?

V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
N o 9 6 6 4 %
Y e s 4 3 2 9 %
13
N o o p i n i o n 1 1 7 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

From the table above, 96 respondents representing 64% says No that the women who read journalism their profession are not given the
opportunity to practice their profession. 43 respondents represent 29% says Yes that the women who read journalism as their profession are given
the 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 the
opportunity to practice it.

Question No 14: Do you agree that there are wrong impressions about female journalist?

V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
S t r o n g l y A g r e e 7 0 4 7 %
A g r e e 3 6 2 4 %
N o o p i n i o n 9 6 %
D i s a g r e e 2 1 1 4 %
S t r o n g l y d i s a g r e e 1 4 9 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

The above table shows that 70 respondents representing 47% strongly agree that there are wrong impression about the female journalists. 36
respondents representing 24% agrees that there are wrong impressions about the female journalists. 9 respondents representing 6% have no
opinion if there are wrong impressions about the female journalists or not. 21 respondents representing 14% disagree that there is wrong
impression 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?

V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
S t r o n g l y A g r e e 1 4 9 %
A g r e e 3 0 2 0 %
N o o p i n i o n 7 5 %
D i s a g r e e 4 7 3 1 %
S t r o n g l y d i s a g r e e 5 2 3 5 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

From the above table, 14 respondents representing 9% strongly agree that female journalists find it difficult to get married. 30 respondents
representing 20% agree that female journalist find it difficult to get married. 7 respondents representing 5% have No opinion if female journalists
find it difficult to get married. 47 respondents representing 31% disagree that female journalists find difficult to get married. While 52
respondents 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?

V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
Y e s 2 2 1 5 %
N o 1 2 3 8 2 %
N o i d e a 5 3 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

From the above table, 22 respondent representing 15% says yes that journalism practice gives enough time for other family activities. 123
respondents representing 82% says No that journalism practice does not give enough time for other family activities, while 5 respondents
representing 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?

14
V a r i a b l e s F r e q u e n c y P e r c e n t a g e
V e r y t r u e 8 2 5 5 %
T r u e 3 6 2 4 %
N o t v e r y t r u e 2 1 1 4 %
N o t t r u e 1 1 7 %
N o i d e a 0 0 %
T o t a l 1 5 0 1 0 0 %
Field survey 2013

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 14% says it not very true that female role as mother and wives are some problems facing female
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 not

Therefore, 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 supported
the 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 is
greater 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 giving
credence 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 to
the 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 giving
credence to the fact that there are wrong impression about female journalists. This made me to accept the alternative hypotheses (HI) and reject
the 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 giving
credence 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 communication
students have Negative Attitude Towards Journalism As A Career, are greater than those not in support. This also made me to accept the
alternative hypotheses (HI) which states that female mass communication students have negative Attitude Towards Journalism As A Career and
rejected the null hypotheses (HO) which states that female mass communication students do not have Negative Attitude Towards Journalism As
A Career.

15
 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 work
have among other things tried to summarily review, discuss and interpret the attitude of female mass communication students towards journalism
as a career.

In chapter one, I gave a detailed introductory over view on the history of federal polytechnic Nekede Owerri, the history of mass
communication department in federal polytechnic Nekede on how the female journalists neglect the practice of their profession after studying it
in 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 ranging
the female journalists attitude towards journalism as a career, discrimination against women journalists, reasons why female journalists shy away
from their duties and impressions about female journalists. All these were reviewed to know more about the reason behind the negative attitude
of female mass communication students toward journalism as their career.

Chapter three 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 questionnaires
that 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 interpreted
according to the data computed there in. the chi-square goodness of fit test was adopted as a means of testing the hypotheses formula in the
research work. The chapter therefore contains 15 tables in all which gave a detailed and quantified explanations of data gathered in the course of
this 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 chapter
finally 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 journalism
on graduation. Yet, majority of them still believe that teaching is the most suitable job for women because it offers more time for family
activities. This means that certain perceived difficulties like discrimination which female journalists face could be reduced or curtailed if they
choose teaching their career.

From the analysis gathered in this project also, there is no doubt to believe that female mass communication student have negative
attitude towards journalism as their career. Also, the necessary findings of this study as seen in the five hypotheses tested, all received statistical
support.

Again, the findings of study shows that Nigerian culture, the society, and over different religions and beliefs, have contributed so much
in the negative attitude of female journalists towards journalism. The position of women in the society and our difference cultures as mother and
wives 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 many
other 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 this
can 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 defeated 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 following
recommendations 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 see
the female journalists as important as their male counter part. When this is done, the female journalists will be encouraged to go into
the 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 as
reporters so that they will see feel the fun of journalism. When this is done, their negative attitude will automatically change to positive
and this encourage more female journalists to seek for employment in the media houses as reporters and freelancers.

16
 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 hoard.
 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.
 Working female journalists should be seen as being equally faithful as their counterparts in other and not as promiscuous as people see
them.
 Other working conditions such as good housing, less time in the office and respect for women journalists should be looked so as to
encourage the upcoming female journalists.

17
 REFERENCES

Books

Agbo, B., Ojobor, I. and Ezinwa .C. (2008). Issues in Development communication. Enugu. John Jacobs classic publishers limited

Akinfeleye, R.A. (1996). Journalism Education and Training In Nigeria in T. Momoh G. Omole (Eds.), The press in Nigeria (pp.203-205).
Lagos: Nigeria press Council.

Amao, K.A. (1999). Socio-cultural Barrier to Active participation of women in the Economic Development of Nigeria. Awka:marpet Education
Research and Publishers.

Beverly, A.S (1995). Building Gender fairness in schools. USA Southern Illinois:University press.

Deffleur, M.L, Antonion, W.V., and Deffleur, L.B. (1971). Sociology:man in society. Illinois scoth:foresman and company.

Fedler, F. etal. (2005). Reporting for the media (8 th ed) New York:oxford University press.

Ikeagwu, E.K. (1998). Groundwork of Research methods and procedures Enugu:Institute of Development studies.

Nwadu, L.C. (2006). Research in communication and other Behavioural sciences. Principles methods and issues. Enugu:Rhyce Kerex publishers.

Obasi, F. (2008). A Handbook on Research proposal writing Enugu:Ruwil Nudas publishers.

Ogili, E.E. (2006). Project writing:Research Best practices. Enugu:providence press Nigeria Limited.

Ukuno, O.M. (2007). Specialized journalism, A complete course. Enugu:Ex Kelle publishers.

Uwakwe, O. (2006). Manual for writers and Researchers. Enugu:ceta Nigeria Limited.

JOURNALS

Kontogora, H.L. (2005). Stimulating female participation in Technical Education. In journal of Women in Technical Education:vol 4, No.2.

Okunna, C.S. (1998). Portrayal of women in Nigeria Home video films. In African media Review, vol.10, No.3

Okunna, C.S. (2005), Women as invisible as Ever in Nigeria’s News media in International journal of media and cultural politics vol.1, No.1.

Olayin, S.M (2003). Women in the Nigerian media:The past, the present, and the future from 1900 to 2000 and betound. In unilag
communication Review January No1.4, No.1

Uzochukwu, C.E (2008). Gender Differences in New media. In International journal of communication, April, No.8.

INTERNET MATERIAL

Bojuwoye, J. (1987). Gender, identity status, and career maturity of Adolescent. Retrieved December 7, 2009, from http://www.kre-
publishers.com/02. journals/j.

NEWS PAPERS

Hananiya, R. (2004, May 13). Women and Local Government Election statesman, P.6.

Maduagwu, R.(2008,May 15). Women urged to Aspire for leddership. Daily champion, P.41.

Nwaefulu, C. (2004, June 25). Role of African Women in politics Today. Vanguard, P.47.

Terhemba, A. (2004, FEBRUARY 11). Empowering women Beyound Rhtorics. Punch, p.16.

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 DICTIONARIES

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. (2nd ed). (2003).UK:Cambridge university press.

Chambers 21st century Dictionary. (3rd ed). (2005). New Delhi:Allied publishers.

Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. (6th ed). (2000). New York:Oxford university press.

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 Federal
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

19
 QUESTIONNAIRE

Please tick in the box provided against your choice of answer.

1. Please tick the correct active Age

15-17 20-25 26-35
2. Level
ND I NDII HND I
3. 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) Artist

5. Below is a list of professions which would you recommended for women?

(a) Journalism (b) Teaching (c) Business

(d) Modeling

(e) Actor

6. 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 preferable

9. 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 idea

11. Are the women who study journalism as their profession given the opportunity to practice their profession?

(a) No (b) Yes (c) No opinion

12. Do you agree that there are wrong impressions about female journalists?

(a) Strongly Agree (b) Agree

(c) No opinion(d) Disagree

20
 (e) Strongly disagree.

13. Does journalism practice give enough time for other family activities?

(a) Yes (b) No (c) No idea

14. 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

21