Gender Differences in Children's and Adolescents' Career Aspirations

Abstract

Career choices and their relation to personal and family background variables were studied in a sample of 148 children (68 females and 80 males) at two points in time: when the participants were between 8 and 13 years of age (Phase 1) and approximately S years later, when they were between 13 and 18 years of age (Phase 2). Male andfemale respondents during both phases chose largely nonoverlapping careers. Boys' choices were heavily gender-stereotyped during both developmental periods. In contrast over one quarter of the females during Phase 1 and close to one half during Phase 2 chose male-dominated occupations. Boys' ideal and realistic career choices did not differ in the degree to which they were gender-typed. Girls'realistic career nominations, however, included a significantly higher percentage of female incumbents in the labor force than did their ideal choices. Gender differences in career choices were not accompanied by differences in several family background and personal variables except for the desire to parent a child and pursue a full-time career.

World Peace, To Be a Millionaire, and Hoop Dreams

“…In contrast, girls more frequently expressed wishes for others, and they also prioritized family and demonstrated a trend toward emotional wishes. These findings may result from the pressure adolescents feel to conform to the gender roles traditionally expected of them [15], and they match previous findings that showed significant sex-associated differences in core domain prioritization, particularly in terms of career future orientation [12].…”

“…Based on the clinical experience of 3 pediatricians on the study team (one of whom has expertise in adolescent medicine) as well as commonly recognized adolescent interests, we hypothesized that adolescents would wish for material goods, athletic success, and changes in appearance. We also believed wishes would vary in association with sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance status [12,13]. …”

Welcome to a Pink and Blue World! An Analysis of Gender-Typed Content in Birth Announcement Cards From 1940–2019 in the Netherlands

“…In addition, parents often choose a name for their child before birth, with most names being gendered in nature (Lieberson et al, 2000), and gender-typed name choices are associated with later gender-specific treatment of children by parents (Erwin, 1995). Notably, these forms of parental gender socialization have been associated with gender differences in language skills (Pruden & Levine, 2017), academic achievement (Updegraff et al, 1996), occupational preferences (Sandberg et al, 1991), and problem behaviors in children (Endendijk et al, 2017) in later child development. To reduce or prevent gender inequality in these domains it is important to gain more insight into early forms of gender socialization.…”

Who Dreams of Badges? Gendered Self-Concept and Policing Career Aspirations

“…By preschool, children learn which toys are socially acceptable according to their gender and start to recognize which jobs are "for" adult males and females (Chambers et al, 2018). With the passage of time, girls and boys become more diverse in their career expectations and preferences, yet, gender stereotypes maintain a stronghold (Chambers et al, 2018;Konrad et al, 2000;Sandberg et al 1991).…”