Examined how students who completed either a traditional or nontraditional vocational education program perceived the assistance they received from school guidance counselors. Results suggest that many sources influence students' choice of program in vocational education. Guidance counselors seemed moderately helpful and supportive, although many…

A historical review notes the small numbers of men enrolled in home economics, largely specializing in institutional management. Lacking role models, males are most scarce in home economics education; those who do major in home economics prefer to be loosely identified with the profession. (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…

Urbana University (Ohio) hosted a workshop for 350 girls from five high schools to meet professional women in nontraditional careers. Girls were not discouraged from looking at nursing, teaching, and secretarial careers, but were encouraged to look at all career options. The workshop focused on math/science careers, the space program, and…

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)

This resource booklet about working women presents role models of interesting women, past and present, many of whom have been successful in non-traditional work roles. Included are brief biographical sketches of working women in early America, during the industrial revolution, the early twentieth century, the Depression, World War II, and modern…

A study examined the impact of sex composition of occupation on women's earnings and the structure of wage determination in "masculine" and "feminine" occupations. Data--a national sample of women--came from the Project Talent Data Bank. Results indicated that, overall, women in "masculine" occupations earned approximately 42% more annually than…

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…

Examined the perceptions of 237 women who worked in three sex-specific occupational categories and the effects of their participation in these occupations on several psychological and physical health variables. Found that women in female-dominated occupations showed more psychological and physical distress than did those in other occupations.…

Focusing on women as state policymakers, this theme issue covers such topics as women in state cabinets and fundraising for women candidates. Discusses the recent rise of women in public office, their strategy of collaboration instead of confrontation, and the characteristics and leadership traits that women need to succeed in politics. (GEA)

Describes how information skills of librarians can be applied to non-library positions. (CLB)

Presents examples of students who have chosen unusual career paths: males in female-dominated occupations, females in male-dominated occupations, and a few women in or aspiring to management positions within traditional fields. (CT)