Testing a Model of Men's Nontraditional Occupational Choices

Abstract

Researchers have compiled an extensive body of literature on the factors that influence the "traditionaliry," or the gender typical nature, of women's career choices. However, little has been written about the variables that might influence men to enter gender atypical occupations. This study tested L. H. Chusmir's (1990) model of men's nontraditional occupational choice, using a longitudinal sample of college-age men in both gender traditional and nontraditional occupations. Liberal social attitudes, degree aspirations at Time 2, and socioeconomic status were directly predictive of nontraditional career choice, whereas the importance of a prestigious career at Time 1 and academic ability had an indirect influence on whether a traditional career choice was made.

Gender stereotyping within career and technical education : exploring relationships among gender, coursetaking, and outcomes of high school CTE students.

“…Men who choose nontraditional careers tend to have lower status needs, instead valuing other job-related aspects such as a collegial atmosphere, social opportunities, and/or altruism (Lease, 2003). Women who pursue male-dominated careers are more likely to have a higher interest in math and science than other females, less likely to have parents that model traditional gender stereotypes (Bona, Kelly, & Jung, 2010), and tend to have higher levels of self-efficacy and assertiveness than other females (Nevill & Schlecker, 1988).…”

“…Although career counseling is seen as a way to help individuals find a career choice that matches their interests, skills, and abilities, counselors are susceptible to the negative stereotypes that surround nontraditional work and are encouraged to be aware of their own potential biases (Lease, 2003). Chusmir (1990) cautioned career counselors not to discourage nontraditional careers based upon faulty anecdotal evidence, but instead to consider a combination of an individual's personality, family, and social influences when helping a person decide upon a field of employment.…”

“…Chusmir (1990) cautioned career counselors not to discourage nontraditional careers based upon faulty anecdotal evidence, but instead to consider a combination of an individual's personality, family, and social influences when helping a person decide upon a field of employment. Lease (2003) suggested that counselors help individuals form partnerships with those working in nontraditional fields in order to provide proper role models and mentors.…”

“…Women who pursue nontraditional careers experience benefits such as higher pay (Hogue et al, 2010) and status (Wilbourn & Kee, 2010) but face barriers such as bias, discrimination, and harassment based upon their gender (Eardley & Manvell, 2006). Males who pursue nontraditional careers face social stigma (Lease, 2003, Wilbourn & Kee, 2010 and experience role strain that results from gender identity conflicts (Simpson, 2005) but they tend to benefit from their social advantage in terms of promotions and career advancement (Williams, 1992). Currently women are more likely than men to pursue nontraditional careers (Eardley & Manvell, 2006;Lease, 2003;Wilbourn & Kee, 2010); however, in an increasingly tight labor market where female- (Eardley & Manvell, 2006;Lufkin et al, 2007;NWLC, 2005;Sayman, 2007).…”

“…It is much more socially acceptable for a female to pursue a nontraditional career than a male (Lease, 2003;Wilbourn & Kee, 2010). Men who pursue gender nontraditional careers often contend with questions about their masculinity, abilities, and even their sexuality (Hayes, 1986;Chusmir, 1990).…”