FAMILY BACKGROUND AND ITS DETERMINANTS AS PREDICTORS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA: SOCIO-ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, AND EDUCATIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is widely acknowledged as a strategic driver of economic growth, employment generation, innovation, and poverty reduction, particularly in developing economies experiencing high youth unemployment. This study examined the influence of family background determinants on entrepreneurial intentions among young adults in Lagos State, Nigeria, focusing on low-income family background, parental occupation, socio-economic status, and family values and culture. The study was anchored on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, Social Cognitive Theory, Human Capital Theory, and the Entrepreneurial Event Model. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised young adults aged 18–35 years across the five administrative divisions of Lagos State. Using convenience and multi-stage sampling techniques, 200 questionnaires were distributed, while 187 valid responses were analysed, representing a 93.5% response rate. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire with reliability coefficients ranging from 0.76 to 0.85. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were employed for data analysis at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that low family income had a significant negative effect on entrepreneurial intentions, whereas parental occupation, socio-economic status, and family values and culture exerted significant positive influences. Family values and culture emerged as the strongest predictor of entrepreneurial intention. The study concluded that entrepreneurial intentions among young adults are significantly shaped by family-related socio-economic and cultural factors. The study recommends family-inclusive entrepreneurship policies, targeted financial support for disadvantaged youth, and mentorship programmes that strengthen entrepreneurial orientation. These findings provide context-specific evidence for strengthening entrepreneurship development initiatives and improving sustainable national youth economic participation in Nigeria.