Social Influences on Women's Pursuit of a Nontraditional Career

Abstract

Three hypotheses were derived from our basic premise that, among women, social factors are crucial in the choice of a high status, non traditional career: (1) Women applying to nontraditional careers should have lower affiliative needs than women applying to traditional careers. (2) As compared with women entering a traditional field, women entering a nontraditional field (a) will consider being married and having children less important, and (b) will be more likely to perceive nontraditional careers as compatible with the satisfaction of social and marital needs. (3a) As compared with women entering traditional fields, women entering nontraditional fields will be more likely to perceive the attitudes of significant others as favorable toward nontraditional careers. (3b) As compared with women entering a traditional field, women entering nontraditional careers will be more likely to have a boyfriend who is supportive and tolerant of a nontraditional career. Data were collected via mailed questionnaires from 153 traditional (nursing and medical rehabilitation) applicants and 78 nontraditional (medical and dental) applicants. The results supported all three hypotheses.