Data from 1968 and 1979 National Longitudinal Survey cohorts were used to examine relationship between aspiration to a male- or female-dominated occupation and sex type of occupation achieved. Comparison to Jacobs' earlier study suggests that Jacobs overestimated the relationship between aspiration and occupation achieved, which appears to have…

Explored how students choose careers, their attitudes toward vocational education, and whether they would consider enrolling in nontraditional vocational education program. Findings from 5,937 ninth graders, and an analysis of the continuing disproportionate enrollments by sex in vocational programs, suggest that nontraditional vocational…

Examination of personality profiles of 131 women in female-typed occupations and 40 in male-typed occupations showed that 5 factors differentiated the personalities of the 2 groups: femininity, communality, self-control, status capacity, and dominance. Similarities between the groups were found in self-acceptance and achievement. (SK)

Focuses on female employment preferences and summarizes results of a questionnaire distributed to a sample of rural males and females. Although gender differences in employment preferences do exist, many rural women indicate an interest in traditionally male, blue-collar jobs. Women who held such jobs commented positively about their experiences.…

To investigate the effect upon achievement of women who work in male-dominated professions and thus may feel tokenism, a study examined career outcomes of women who received medical training. Results indicated that women physicians were overrepresented as teachers, and the most powerful position, administrator, was primarily occupied by men. (KH)

Describes a study that identified factors that nontraditional and traditional completers of vocational education programs perceived as barriers in obtaining their vocational goals. Concludes that many school-related problems remain, and makes recommendations for further research. (NRJ)

The Realistic scale of the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) and the Realistic and Social scales of the Self Directed Search successfully differentiated the occupational groups. However, the VPI Social and Enterprising scales did not differentiate between men and women in the same occupation. (Author)

Encouragements and discouragements for achievement-related behavior were reported. Career women reported significantly more encouragement from teachers, family members (except parents), and significant others of the opposite sex. Career men reported more encouragement from parents; however, these differences were not significant. (Author)

The overrepresentation of Black females in traditional occupations stems from the emotions, beliefs, and environmental factors affecting their decision making. Conflicts between sex role socialization and that of Black subculture, as well as discrimination in hiring, are contributing factors. (SK)

Examined the personal narratives of 25 women excelling in mathematics, science, and technology careers to understand the importance of their self-efficacy beliefs. Findings suggest that the perceived importance of self-efficacy beliefs may be stronger for women in male-oriented domains than for those operating in traditional settings. (SLD)

Even if women overcome negative perceptions of computer-related jobs, studies of children and computers and of college students' responses to mock job ads indicate that abilities and traits for technology jobs may be associated more with one gender than the other. This may influence career choices in gender typical or atypical areas. (Contains 47…

A phenomenological study examined the meaning 11 women attributed to life and work experiences that influenced their choice of nontraditional majors. Most returned to school because of triggering events, were interested in their chosen field and opportunities for career development, and desired independence. (Contains 29 references.) (SK)

This study assesses factors predictive of the range of possible occupations considered by 166 African American high school students. There are no differences in the number of African American representative occupations (those in which 13.5% or more employees were African American) considered compared to nonrepresentative occupations (those with…

Selected criteria from Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory and a simulated career choice indicated a significant increase in interest in nontraditional occupations by subjects viewing a modeling series with reinforcement by a male counselor. (Author)

Investigates childhood and adolescent career aspirations of a sample of white, middle to upper class girls. In childhood, those aspiring to male-dominated careers were somewhat older and more tomboyish, had higher IQs and more educated parents. As adolescents they had higher educational aspirations, and were less likely to anticipate being married…