The influence of role‐specific self‐concept and sex‐role identity on career choices in science

Abstract

AbstractDespite much effort on the part of educators the number of females who choose science careers remains low. This research focuses on two factors which may be influencing females in their choice of careers. These factors are role‐specific self‐concept in science and self perception in terms of stereotypical masculine and feminine characteristics. In addition logical ability and mathematics and science courses were also examined as factors in career choice. Females preferring science related careers and females preferring nontraditional careers such as police, military and trades were found to have a positive role‐specific self‐concept and a masculine perception of themselves. Females preferring traditional careers such as teacher or hairdresser had a poor role‐specific self‐concept and a more feminine perception of themselves. Males as a group were found to have a more positive role‐specific self‐concept than females. Logical ability was also related to a science career preference for both males and females. Males expected to take more higher level math courses than females, while females preferring science careers expected to take the most higher level science courses.