Career Patterns and Family Status of Women and Men Artists

Abstract

These observations are often made about women's career outcomes: (a) women, as compared to men, do not experience career outcomes that are consistent with their training and abilities, and (b) interruptions in women's careers are linked to marriage and children. The current study examined whether these patterns applied to women in art who may have more flexible paid work schedules. Women (N = 109), who trained in art, were compared to their male classmates (N = 99) 18 years after art school. Career patterns, midlife occupations, marital status, and number of children were examined. No gender differences were noted in midlife occupations, however, women experienced significantly more career discontinuity than men, and women with discontinuous careers had significantly more children than women in continuous patterns.

Creative Labors: The Lives and Careers of Women Artists

“…Also, each of the participants felt constrained by social and economic barriers inherent in the "structure of opportunity" (Astin, 1984) ofthe arts world and by the difficulty in making space for their artistic work amidst competing role demands, especially the demands involved in raising and supporting children. Stohs (1992) had similarly identified that parenting responsibilities can contribute significantly to patterns of career discontinuity for women artists.…”

“…Counselors can playa vital role in helping women artists become "heroes of their own stories" (Noble, 1989) by exploring alternative ways to ensure their own and their families' economic survival-for example, through income-generating activities such as tutoring or teaching-without having to compromise their commitment to their art. Women artists may also benefit from some pragmatic exploration of ways in which they can balance work and family issues (Stohs, 1992), including literally and figuratively dedicating a space for their creative work, and from support for the validity of making their art as well as their children a priority in their lives.…”

“…in-depth analyses of the lives and careers of particular groups of women, a richer and more complex understanding is also being formed of the development, challenges, and joys inherent in the lives of women as they attempt to pursue their life's work. (Bateson, 1989;Chester & Grossman, 1990;Gustafson & Magnusson, 1991;Stohs, 1992). Just such an in-depth exploration and analysis of the lives and careers of one group--women artists-is the focus ofthis study.…”

“…At the same time, the (limited) scholarly research available as well as personal lived accounts of women artists suggest that pursuit of a career in the arts may be particularly difficult for women because of a variety of factors. Barriers to success for women in the arts include (a) recurring unemployment, career interruption and instability (McCaughey, 1985;Noble, 1987); (b) low pay and frequently intangible rewards (Sang, 1989); (c) the traditional association of artistic roles with men and the corresponding devaluation of women's artistic career pursuits by selfand others (Bepko & Krestan, 1993;McCaughey, 1985); (d) difficulty in balancing competing personal, relationship, and familial roles and obligations (Chicago, 1977;Kavaler-Adler, 1993;Sang, 1989;Stohs, 1992); and (e) pervasive sex discrimination in the arts world, which makes it difficult for women artists to get appropriate training, recognition, and adequate financial recompense for their work (Chicago, 1977;Kerr, 1985;Noble, 1987Noble, , 1989Sang, 1989;Wyszomirski, 1985). Wyszomirski also noted that the prevalence of age discrimination in many facets of the arts "can detract from the acceptance of women as being creative, productive, or exciting once they past 4o-atjust the time when years of study, development, and reputation-building place them at, what is for men, the threshold of enduring success, acclaim, and stature" (p. 10).…”

Teachers Who Create, Artists Who Teach

“…Many art teachers have sought to train first as artists and then turn to K-12 teaching as a way to combine their love of art with a more financially secure career path (Astin, 1993;Stohs, 1992). Most people considering the career of art teacher are educated to believe that they should and will be able to continue their artistic pursuits in tandem with their teaching careers (Madge & Weinberger, 1973;Rugg & Shumaker, 1928/ 1969.…”