A Qualitative Examination of Male Enrollment in Family Science Courses

Abstract

This qualitative study examines undergraduate perspectives concerning the paucity of male students in family science courses. Two hundred and eighty‐eight students from three universities answered open‐ended questions concerning male enrollment in these courses. Although participants described a social stigma regarding women in family science, males believed that females are more likely to take family science courses because females are more concerned with family. Females believed that males are afraid or uncomfortable with family science topics. Participants believed that increasing awareness, gender‐targeted advertising, and dispelling stereotypes would promote male enrollment. Implications regarding gender balance in family sciences are discussed.

Gender inclusion and family science: Perspectives of undergraduate males on family science

“…As mentioned by Eagly et al (2000), societal trends have reduced stereotypical gendered behavior, meaning that there should be a perception that family science courses are a viable option for all genders. Yet, current qualitative results suggest that males who had not enrolled in family science courses appear largely to not have that perception (Langlais et al, 2017;Langlais et al, 2018), which contrasts with current trends that gender differences are minimizing.…”

Experiential Learning in Family Life Education Methodology: Low, Medium, and High Dosage Projects

“…Students in these courses were mostly seniors (54.2%) and juniors (35.0%), and about 11.7% were nontraditional students (undergraduate college students who did not enter postsecondary education directly after high school). These demographic statistics were representative of students enrolled in family studies courses (Langlais, Asay, Vaterlaus, & Walker, 2017).…”

“…The proposed pedagogical approach needs replication to discern its effectiveness in enhancing the undergraduate learning experience in FLEM courses. In addition, although class composition is characteristic of many family studies courses (Langlais et al, 2017), more diverse groups of students are needed with future implementation of this approach.…”

Efforts in Diversity and Recruiting in Financial Planning Undergraduate Programs

“…While the literature on diversity and recruitment in academic financial planning programs is scant, researchers have explored this theme in the more general field of family and consumer sciences (Burdette‐Williamson & O'Neal, 1998; Firebaugh & Miller, 2000; Langlais, Asay, Vaterlaus, & Walker, 2017; Ralston, Cloud, & Bell, 2005; Ralston et al, 2004; Smith & Neal, 2000). Prior research in this area provides some insight since financial planning and related majors are included under this academic umbrella at many universities.…”