Context: The persistent low female participation in male-dominated trades and VET courses is not attracting a high level of public attention and policy action. There are determined, albeit ad hoc actions by advocates to raise awareness of the economic and social benefits that can result from increased female participation in the male-dominated…

This article examines the impact on work culture when men work in kindergartens. In Norway, as in other countries there has been a call for more male staff in kindergartens. Increasing the amount of men may imply that institutionalized norms and practice are put under pressure. By using a case study approach, the focus is on employees' experiences…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the issues affecting successful employment outcomes for young women in male-dominated careers, focusing on those generally accessed via a traditional Australian apprenticeship model. Current patterns of participation in trades-based fields of education and training reinforce the highly…

The study investigated the Zimbabwean female participation in physics, with special emphasis on the factors of identity formation considered as contributing to developing an orientation to physics by female students. The main study from which this paper was taken explored the influence of identity formation on the Zimbabwean Advanced Level…

The study examines the career decision-making of Swiss academic high school students opting for a career in a non-traditional, gender-typed area of work during the transition to higher education. Based on a longitudinal study, a qualitative study with 11 female students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and 13 male student…

The place of women in the manual trades is examined in this paper, which sets out strategies for encouraging them to study and work in areas such as building and construction. Such strategies include introductory and pre-apprenticeships courses, clustering female students, and support from teachers in opening up job opportunities. This paper is…

Purpose: This paper aims to report findings from a North East (of England) study co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council to explore the issues around the provision of vocational training for women in Northumberland, focusing on the construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors. The aim of the research was…

Analysis of British national data sets shows that, although women's representation in the sciences increased, occupational outcomes differ for men and women. Women are much more likely to be underemployed and are overrepresented in teaching. Labor-market policies, as well as education policies, need attention. (Author/JOW)

Rating of the femininity/masculinity of 27 occupations was undertaken by four age groups in the Israeli education system: 14-year-olds (n=194); 17-year-olds (n=183); university students (n=89); and teachers (n=148). Results indicated that sex-related stereotypes of occupations continue to be maintained among youth and adults. (JOW)

Interviews were conducted before and after 10 trainers attended workshops on using an educational equity guide for nontraditional training. Pretraining resistance to equity gave way to new awareness of issues and learner concerns and willingness to change practice. Training modified male and female participants' discourses in different ways.…

An Australian study of 62 women in traditionally male-dominated areas of vocational education found most teachers and male classmates were unsupportive, and the atmosphere was generally oppressive. Sexual discrimination and harassment, isolation, pressure to perform were typical. The women were strong-minded and successful, and most support came…

Studies of gender identity and activity preferences in young children and of the characteristics of work culture in traditional male trades are used to support the argument that women seeking nontraditional employment are faced with a work identity based on a traditional concept of masculinity. Reconstructing work cultures to ensure equal access…

Examined perceptions toward student career choices of 197 Canadian teachers. Each teacher examined one of eight vignettes describing student currently making career decision. Vignettes varied by gender, type of occupational choice, and traditionality of extracurricular activities. Found that teachers were more likely to encourage traditional…

Male (N=120) and female (N=120) clients were counseled by male or female counselor classified as masculine, feminine, or androgynous in sex-role orientation. Clients' career choice traditionality was measured during counseling, following counseling, and with respect to clients' career six months later. Counselor gender and gender-role orientation…

Investigated religious beliefs and career planning among 315 female seniors in 1 public religious and 2 public secular high schools in Israel. Secular school students, as compared to religious school students, expressed greater interest in and preference for male-dominated occupations. Religious orientation, more than other background variables,…