Choosing a STEM or humanities degree : an examination of external influences on individual choice

• Main Author: Yeo, Tze Sian
• Other Authors: Lim Khek Gee, Francis
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Social influence; DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Social elements, forces, laws
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/76442
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Much have been said about Singapore’s education system, yet hardly anything has been investigated with regards to the educational choices that individuals make. In light of the growing number of degree holders in Singapore, the Singapore state may gain further insights from understanding why students choose certain degrees vis-à-vis policy-making. Combining classical concepts found in the sociology of education with qualitative interviews, this paper has identified the social and institutional forces shaping a Singaporean individual’s decision in pursuing a certain degree.