Research on tokenism processes is reviewed and coalesces around two conclusions. First, gender constructs different social contexts for token women and for token men. Second, gender is most usefully conceptualized as a status variable, not something internal to the individual. Gender serves as a status marker such that women's subordinated status…

This study tested R. W. Lent, S. D. Brown, and G. Hackett's (1994) model of career choice with 364 Mexican American adolescent women. Path analyses were run to determine the influence of contextual and social cognitive variables on career aspiration, career choice prestige, and traditionality. Partial support for the model was evidenced as…

Data collected from 94 British women enrolled in "Women in Technology," a course for women returning to the work force, focused on societal attitudes, childhood socialization patterns, and this group's attitudes towards interrupted careers. The women had all prepared originally for technical careers. (CH)

The study analyzed attitudes of nontraditional and traditional vocational agriculture program completers toward their school preparation, work, and work barriers encountered in obtaining employment. Factors influencing students in obtaining vocational goals included (1) influences of vocational enrollment, (2) satisfaction with school preparation,…

Describes emerging employment markets in the United Kingdom that require information skills, and examines the reasons why librarians and information workers have had little impact on these markets. The need for practical competencies, as well as formal qualifications, is cited as a major reason for this trend. (3 references) (CLB)

Challenges to vocational teacher education include technological change that is sending large numbers of adults back to school; increasing numbers of women, minorities, and handicapped individuals who are seeking employment in nontraditional occupations; vocational preparation for jobs in the information economy; teacher recruitment; and creative…

Describes a program to improve the low participation of Canadian women in science careers. The peer counseling program encouraged high school senior girls to serve as role models for younger girls and participate in a Women in Science Club which encouraged careers in science and mathematics. (JAC)

High school students rated males and females in traditional and nontraditional occupations on six personality traits: ambition, effectiveness, emotionality, intelligence, responsibility, and traditionality. Results revealed more occupational stereotypes than sex role stereotypes. (Author/MJL)

Tested the influence of a supportive family on 142 women employed in or studying for nontraditional careers. Results showed the importance of emotional support by parents, siblings, peers and teachers. Suggests counselors encourage women to locate role models and mentors if preparing for nontraditional careers. (Author/JAC)

Examines the relationship among sex-role attitudes, curriculum choice, and levels of educational and occupational aspirations and expectations of college students enrolled in home economics and agricultural curriculums. Results show that sex-role ideology is only weakly associated with curriculum choice but is related to career ambitions for…

Compared women in nontraditional fields of study with women in traditional fields over four years. Data indicated that women in nontraditional fields had higher ACT scores and degree expectations, felt better prepared in math, had higher high school grades in math, and came from higher family-income levels. (Author/RC)

Describes Kirkwood Community College's (Iowa) activities and support services designed to help mainstream women into non-traditional educational programs and careers, focusing on the college's Opportunity Center, workshops, ongoing support services, sex-fair counseling, curricular changes, promotional activities, and efforts to eliminate sex-role…

Identifies personal-social factors women perceive as being those that prevent them from entering occupations usually held by men. Factors included conceptions of male-dominated work environments, self-concept, stereotyped views held by family, attitudes of friends, security in traditional jobs, fear of failure, and money training. (CT)

Focuses on the following aspects of the WENDI (Women's Education Development Incentive) program at Brevard Community College (Florida): its history, objectives, service population, emphasis on introducing careers in nontraditional fields, and specific aspects of the delivery system. Relates the program to various studies of women's programing.…

Examined relationships of perceived influence of female and male role models, gender role, and performance self-esteem to college women's (N=107) career salience, aspirations, and choices. Perceived role model influences were significantly related to career salience, educational aspirations, and nontraditionality of occupational choices.…