EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL EDUCATION ON PERSONAL VALUES: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

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The Social Science Review A Multidisciplinary Journal. Nov-Dec, 2023. Vol. 1. Issue 2. 244-250
ISSN: 2584 - 0789
244
EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL EDUCATION ON PERSONAL VALUES: A
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
1Subhas Kumar Samanta & 2Mita Howladar
1M. Phil Scholar, Department of Education, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Abstract
This study looks at the significant relationship that exists between pupils in Purba Medinipur District,
West Bengal, and their personal values at the secondary level. It focuses on the unique ways that parental
education and gender affect these values' formation. This study used a cross-sectional survey research
strategy. Using the Persona Value Questionnaire, 300 secondary school students were chosen at random,
and the data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and t-tests. The study's main conclusions were that
female students had higher personal values than male students did, and that gender was a significant
predictor of students' personal values. Whose secondary school education has a greater personal
significance for the student than whose elementary, upper secondary, or higher education does. Maternal
education was an important personal value among students in this study. The study underlines the
importance of these findings for educators, politicians and parents, and emphasizes the need for a
thorough understanding of personal values to improve children's and #039; general development in a
geographical context.
Keywords: Personal values, Secondary level, Gender influence, Socio-cultural impact
Introduction
Currently, the concept of personal values is of utmost importance as it serves as a foundation for making
decisions, behaviour, and the formation of one's identity. According to Schwartz (2012), values are
enduring beliefs that a specific way of acting or desired state of being is considered more desirable on a
personal or societal level. The values mentioned act as fundamental principles that influence choices and
actions, affecting different areas of life, including academic motivation and social interactions (Schwartz
et al., 2012). Understanding these principles is essential in the field of secondary education, as they
significantly influence students' academic achievements, career choices, and overall well-being. The
formation of these values is significantly influenced by the educational environment, social networks, and
family interactions. Eccles and Roeser (2011) emphasis the importance of school culture and peer
influence in shaping students' values, stressing that the values promoted in these settings have significant
effects on adolescent development. The interaction with teachers, the ethical standards enforced by the
institution, and the interpersonal relationships among classmates all impact the formation of individual
values. The advent of social media and online platforms in the modern digital era has introduced new
dynamics in the development of values among teenagers. Twenge and Campbell (2018) argue that
internet connections play a pivotal role in shaping the moral and ethical beliefs of young individuals.
Students are subjected to a wide array of thoughts and values via social media, which could impact their
perspectives and potentially alter the conventional methods by which they form their own values.

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Considering the influence of family, community, and schools on the formation of personal values among
students in Purba Medinipur is of utmost significance. Research conducted on Indian adolescents has
revealed that both family and society play a crucial role in influencing their value system (Kumar &
Maehr, 2007). Many locations in West Bengal are characterized by the prevalence of extended families.
These families, in conjunction with communal ceremonies and customs, serve to impart principles such as
reverence for older generations, maintaining unity as a collective, and fostering a sense of patriotism.
Furthermore, the educational system in West Bengal provides a diverse array of learning environments,
including government schools, private schools, and the Madrasah system. Varying circumstances might
elicit diverse impacts on students' principles, influencing their sentiments towards education, their
interpersonal connections, and their aspirations for the future (Bhattacharya & Sarkar, 2009). Considering
the ramifications of digital technology is crucial in this domain, as an increasing number of young
individuals are gaining internet and social media access. The impact of technology on society can
introduce novel values and perspectives, perhaps resulting in a transformation of established value
systems (Ghosh & Das, 2018).
Rationale of the Study
The study addresses the increasing demand for localised research that considers the distinct socio-cultural
environment of Purba Medinipur District in West Bengal. Scholars like Galtung (1964) have emphasised
the significant influence of culture on creating individual values. Examining these values within a
particular regional context enables a more precise and contextual examination. The objective of this study
is to enhance the current knowledge by offering a more profound comprehension of the personal values
that are widespread among secondary level students in Purba Medinipur. Furthermore, the study is in line
with the wider educational discussion on comprehensive student growth. Academics such as Noddings
(2005) stress the need of not only focusing on students' academic accomplishments, but also on their
moral and personal growth. The research seeks to illuminate the non-academic dimensions of students'
life by emphasising their personal values. This approach provides a more holistic perspective on their
overall well-being and development. The research is based on the premise that personal values have a
substantial impact on behaviour and decision-making. Bandura's (1986) social cognition theory asserts
that humans acquire knowledge and skills by observation and interaction with their surroundings.
Additionally, personal values serve as fundamental beliefs that shape their understanding and reactions to
various circumstances. An analysis of the personal values of secondary level students in Purba Medinipur
can offer educators, politicians, and parents’ significant insights into the influences that shape kids'
decisions, actions, and overall growth. Moreover, the study enhances the worldwide conversation on
education for sustainable development. According to UNESCO (2014), education plays a crucial role in
teaching ideals that support sustainable development, such as social responsibility, environmental
sustainability, and cultural understanding. Through an examination of the personal values of secondary
level students in Purba Medinipur, this research can pinpoint specific areas where educational
interventions might be focused to foster values that are in line with sustainable development goals.
Ultimately, the research on the personal values of secondary level students in Purba Medinipur District,
West Bengal, is justified due to its capacity to address a gap in existing literature, enhance the overall
development of students, correspond with theories regarding the impact of personal values on behaviour,
and promote global efforts towards education for sustainable development. This research has the potential
to provide valuable insights for improving educational practices and policies, which will eventually
contribute to the comprehensive development of students in the specific regional context.
Delimitations of the Study
The present study is delimited to the following areas:
i) The present study was delimited to only 340 secondary level students as a sample.
ii) The present study was delimited to only three independent or demographic variables like Gender,
Father’s education, and Mother’s education.

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Objectives of the Study
The present study has undertaken to achieve the following objectives-
1. The know the present status of secondary level students in Purba Medinipur district.
2. To find out the personal value of students by their gender.
3. To examine the personal value of students by their father’s education.
4. To see the personal value of students by their mother’s education.
Hypotheses of the Study
Keeping the objectives in mind, the following hypotheses were formulated-
H01: There exists no significant mean different in personal value of students by gender.
H02: There exists no significant mean different in personal value of students by father’s education.
H03: There exists no significant mean different in personal value of students by mother’s education.
Methodology of the Study
The main purpose of the study to find out the present state of personal value among secondary level
students in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. To achieve the objective of this study, a cross-
sectional descriptive survey research design was employed. The population of the study consisted of
secondary level students in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, and 340 samples of secondary level
students were randomly selected from Purba Medinipur district. In this study, personal value was
regarded as the dependent variable, which was hypothesized to be related to demographic or independent
variables such as gender, fathers’ education, and mothers’ education.
Tools for Data Collection
To access an especially key dependent variable, namely personal value, highly reliable and standardized
bilingual measuring instruments were used. The Persona Value Questionnaire by Dr. Archana Dubey and
Mahendra Patidar (PVQ-DP, 2013) was used to investigate the current state of personal value among
secondary level students. This questionnaire consists of thirty (30) items with three alternative choices
thus a total number of 90 alternative choices. The tool measures ten (10) personal values, which were
considered as the dimensions of personal values those are Commitment, Problem Solving, Discipline,
Honesty, Self- Dependence, Challenge, Group Work, Hard Work, Punctuality and Co-operation.
Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Descriptive Statistics
Table 1 Descriptive statistics regarding personal value of students.
Variable
Category
Frequency (N)
Mean
SD
Gender
Male
157
90.39
1.435
Female
183
90.78
1.176
Fathers
Education
Primary
112
90.59
1.319
Secondary
111
90.78
1.239
Higher Secondary
76
90.29
1.335
Higher Education
41
90.68
1.404
Mother
Education
Primary
115
90.56
1.352
Secondary
143
90.82
1.220
Higher Secondary
63
90.25
1.367
Higher Education
19
90.32
1.376
Figure 1: Showing Independent variables wise mean difference on Personal Value of students

The Social Science Review A Multidisciplinary Journal. Nov-Dec, 2023. Vol. 1. Issue 2. 244-250
ISSN: 2584 - 0789
247
Table 1 and Figure 1 displayed the mean distribution of personal value among secondary level school
students, categorised by independent variables. In terms of gender, female students (mean = 90.78,
standard deviation = 1.176) indicated higher levels of personal value compared to male students (mean =
90.39, standard deviation = 1.435). In terms of father education, students whose fathers have completed
secondary education (mean=90.78, standard deviation=1.239) exhibit higher personal value compared to
those whose fathers have completed primary, higher secondary, or higher education. In terms of mother's
education, students whose mothers have completed secondary level education (mean=90.82, standard
deviation=1.220) exhibit higher personal value compared to those whose mothers have completed
primary, higher secondary, or higher education.
Hypothesis Testing
Table 2: Hypothesis testing based on H01 to H03.
Independent samples t-Test
Depende
nt
Variable
s
Independe
nt
Variables
t
df
Sig. (2-
tailed)
Mean
Differen
ce
Remarks
(0.05
level)
Result of
H01
Personal
Value
Gender
-2.735
338
0.007
-.387
*Significa
nt
Rejected
One-way ANOVA
Depende
nt
Variable
s
Independe
nt
Variables
Sum of
Square
s
df
Mean
Square
F
Sig. (2-
tailed)
Remarks
(0.05 level)
Personal
Value
Fathers
Education
Betwee
n
Groups
11.369
3
3.790
2.217
0.086
*Not
Significant
Within
Groups
574.42
8
336
1.710
Total
585.79
7
339
Mothers
Education
Sum of
Square
s
df
Mean
Square
F
Sig. (2-
tailed)
Remarks
(0.05 level)
Betwee
n
Groups
16.100
3
5.367
3.165
0.025
*Significan
t
90.39
90.78
90.59
90.78
90.29
90.68
90.56
90.82
90.25 90.32
89.9
90
90.1
90.2
90.3
90.4
90.5
90.6
90.7
90.8
90.9
Male
Female
Primary
Secondary
Highe r Secondary
Highe r Education
Primary
Secondary
Highe r Secondary
Highe r Education
Gender Fathers Education Mother Education

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Within
Groups
569.69
7
336
1.696
Total
585.79
7
339
Interpretation
Results of H01: It can be observed from the table 2 that computed t-value of personal value based on
gender was t (338) = -2.735; p-value=0.007. Found difference in mean was found to be statistically
significant at 0.05 level (p<0.05). Therefore, the aforesaid H01 was rejected and found differences can be
attributed to any random chance factor.
Results of H02: It can be observed from the table 2 that computed F-value of personal value based on
father’s education was F (3,336) = 2.217; p-value=0.086. Found difference in mean was statistically not
significant at 0.05 level (p>0.05). Therefore, the aforesaid H02 was failed to reject and found differences
can be attributed to any random chance factor.
Results of H03: It can be observed from the table 2 that computed F-value of personal value based on
mother’s education was F (3,336) = 3.165; p-value=0.025. Found difference in mean was statistically
significant at 0.05 level (p<0.05). Therefore, the aforesaid H03 was rejected and found differences can be
attributed to any random chance factor.
Major Findings of the study
Findings based on overall Personal Value of students
• The present status of overall personal value of secondary level students in Purba Medinipur
district of West Bengal was found to be 90.597.
Findings based on Gender and Personal Value
• Female students showed higher personal value than male students and the difference was
statistically significant.
Findings based on Father’s Education and Personal Value
• Students whose father’s education secondary level showed higher personal value than whose
father’s education primary, higher secondary and higher education but the difference was not
statistically significant.
Findings based on Mother’s Education and Personal Value
• Students whose father’s education secondary level showed higher personal value than whose
father’s education primary, higher secondary and higher education and the difference was
statistically significant.
Discussion and Conclusion
Students' adoption and engagement with new technology are influenced by a multitude of personal
values. Students can deliberately select technologies that are in line with their values, and their attitudes
towards technology can influence how efficiently they incorporate it into their academic and personal
spheres. Furthermore, it is crucial for educators and technology developers to consider these varied values
while creating and executing instructional technologies.
The findings of the study appeared with some vital evidence that female students showed higher personal
value than male students, similar findings were found in another research that female students possessed
better personal value rather than male students (Bertsch et al., 2021; Sharma, 2013; Dafare & Bhende,
2016; Jahangiri & Zarei, 2016).

The Social Science Review A Multidisciplinary Journal. Nov-Dec, 2023. Vol. 1. Issue 2. 244-250
ISSN: 2584 - 0789
249
The study revealed that gender was a significant indicator of personal value and only a few studies found
the same acquaintance (Jen Eaton & Giacomino, 2001; Borg, 2019; Kadic & Jusic, 2018; Posner &
Munson, 1981; Volkova & Kuzina, 2020). Also, it was found that students whose father’s education
secondary level performed higher personal value than primary, higher secondary and higher education
students but the difference was not statistically significant and only a few studies found the same
acquaintance (Aiat & Hassan, 2013; Sinaga, 2022).
Finally, it was found that students whose mother’s education secondary level performed higher personal
value than primary, higher secondary and higher education students and the difference was statistically
significant and apart from that no other handful study was found in this same context.
In conclusion, it is very important for teachers, policymakers, and researchers to understand the personal
beliefs of their students. It changes the way students think, act, and make decisions, which affects both
their academic and emotional growth. We can help students better align their values with their goals by
recognising the many things that affect them, such as their family background, cultural impacts, and
educational experiences. Strategies for creating a good learning environment, encouraging moral
thinking, and getting students ready to be involved and responsible members of society can be based on
personal values. As a result, ongoing study and educational programmes should keep looking into the
complexities of students' personal values. This will help guide efforts to improve their overall
development and improve the health of individuals and communities.
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