Occupational Aspirations Research Articles

“But later you regret it". Roma youth navigating aspirational dilemmas

This article reflects on the Spanish Roma people’s aspiration dilemmas about their school-to-work transition (STWT). Study of the STWT of Roma young people casts light on the social and economic inequalities in Spanish society. Academic and occupational aspiration dilemmas reveal aspects of the interplay between structural-historical, societal, institutional and community-level factors that condition Roma people’s “capacity to aspire”, which Appadurai defines as a navigational capacity. Drawing on 31 interviews with Roma people living in a mid-sized Catalan city, we explore the following types of intermingled aspiration dilemmas: concrete vs. abstract, misaligned and insecure, misrecognised, interrupted, and postponed aspirations. We also unpack two cross-cutting aspects – young people’s capacity and strategies for navigating among aspiration-related resources and negotiating the meanings, terms, and conditions of aspiring school-to-work transition under multiple forms of pressure.

Things versus People: Gender Differences in Vocational Interests and in Occupational Preferences

Occupational choices remain strongly segregated by gender, for reasons not yet fully understood. In this paper, we use detailed information on the cognitive requirements in 130 distinct learnable occupations in the Swiss apprenticeship system to describe the broad job content in these occupations along the things-versus-people dimension. We first show that our occupational classification along this dimension closely aligns with actual job tasks, taken from an independent data source on employers job advertisements. We then document that female apprentices tend to choose occupations that are oriented towards working with people, while male apprentices tend to favor occupations that involve working with things. In fact, our analysis suggests that this variable is by any statistical measure among the most important proximate predictors of occupational gender segregation. In a further step, we replicate this finding using individual-level data on both occupational aspirations and actual occupational choices for a sample of adolescents at the start of 8th grade and the end of 9th grade, respectively. Using these additional data, we finally show that the gender difference in occupational preferences is largely independent of a large number of individual, parental, and regional controls.

How immigrant optimism shapes educational transitions over the educational life course–Empirical evidence from Germany

Compared to natives, young adults with an immigrant background are more likely to choose academic education over vocational education and training (VET). Our study investigates ethnic choice effects at different stages of the educational system. Based on longitudinal data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), we found that immigrant youths–when controlling for achievement and social background–were more likely to attend academic tracks in Grade 9, have higher participation rates in academic tracks at the upper-secondary level, are less likely to choose VET after lower-secondary education as well as after upper-secondary education, and switch more often to higher education after achieving an upper-secondary degree. Mediation analyses confirmed that these effects were largely shaped by differences in educational and occupational aspirations. Our study provides detailed insights into the transition pathways at different educational stages and the relevant mechanisms driving migration-specific choice effects. As ethnic choice effects are empirically well documented in international research, our investigation may contribute to a deeper understanding of educational inequalities in other European countries.

Career Maturity in Relation to Vocational Aspiration and Self-Concept among Senior Secondary School Adolescents

Students' careers are important in their lives because they will have to make decisions about their careers later in life. This study aims to examine the key predictors of Career Maturity between Vocational Aspiration and Self-Concept among the senior secondary school adolescents. Three measures are employed in the quantitative study design, including a self-concept questionnaire developed and normed by Saraswat (2011), the Occupational Aspiration Scale by J.S. Grewal (2011), and the Career Maturity Inventory by Nirmala Gupta (2013). These scales disseminated to students from the four senior secondary government and private schools of Kannauj district. Using the simple random sampling method, a total of 376 senior secondary school adolescents were involved in the study. The findings show that among senior secondary school students enrolled in both government and private institutions, vocational aspiration became a significant factor in predicting career maturity. Career Maturity was found to have significant correlation with Vocational Aspiration while no relationship was found with self-concept for total sample and sub samples. Female students were found to have better Career Maturity than males while opposite trend was seen for Vocational Aspiration. Although, the self-concept of males and females was observed to be similar. Moreover, Female students have better capability to make or choose proper vocational choices, including awareness required for choosing career according to their skills, interests, values and personality traits. However, male students were having more aspirations for the career or vocation.

Gendered occupational aspirations among German youth: Role of parental occupations, gender division of labour, and family structure

Objective: This study investigates how multiple domains of parental gender role socialisation as well as parent-child relationships and family structure may shape adolescents’ gendered occupational aspirations.
 Background: Young people with gender-typical aspirations have a higher chance of choosing gender-typical post-secondary education fields and are more likely to work in gender-typical occupations as adults. Gender norms, family structures and parent-child relationships have undergone profound changes in recent decades. We extend the intergenerational transmission literature by considering whether the influence of parental role modelling may vary according to parent-child relationships and family structure.
 Method: We draw on data from 2,235 adolescents from the German Socio-Economic Panel and apply logistic regressions.
 Results: Children whose fathers were employed in gender-typical jobs had a greater likelihood of aspiring to a more gender-typical occupation. This relationship was not significant among sons who did not live continuously with both parents since birth, who were generally more likely to aspire to gender-typical occupations. Surprisingly, the gender-typicality of fathers' occupations seemed more influential among daughters whose parents had separated than among those who lived continuously with both parents. Regarding the parental gender division of paid and unpaid work, only mothers' continuous non-employment was associated with daughters being more likely to aspire to a gender-typical occupation.
 Conclusion: On the whole, our findings suggest a rather weak influence of parental gender role modelling on children’s persistently gendered occupational aspirations in Germany. Yet, our study extends existing family research by pointing to significant variations across family structures.

What do I want to be? Predictors of communal occupational aspirations in early to middle childhood

Research investigating occupational aspirations in childhood is scarce. In addition, most research on occupational aspirations has focused on increasing the number of women in agentic jobs. In the present work, we investigate factors associated with communal occupational aspirations in two studies with young children (Study 1: 159 children [84 boys, 75 girls], Mage = 5.51 years, SD = 0.37; Study 2: 96 children [48 boys, 48 girls]; Mage = 9.44 years, SD = 1.91). We found gender differences in communal aspirations only among the older children. In both samples, as well as when combining the two samples, the stronger the communal occupational gender stereotypes children reported, the less boys (and the more girls) aspired toward communal occupations. In the combined sample, communal self-perceptions mediated the relationship between child gender and occupational aspirations. Finally, the perceived status of the occupations was positively associated with communal aspirations among older children.

Compromises between Occupational Aspirations and VET Occupations—a Contribution to the Reproduction of Social Inequalities?

Abstract Many school leavers cannot fulfil their occupational aspirations when entering vocational education and training (VET), and have to make compromises. This study asks what form these compromises take by examining multiple extrinsic occupational dimensions, and investigates differences by social background. Data for VET entrants from lower and intermediate school tracks from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS-SC4) are combined with occupation-specific data. The cluster analysis reveals four distinct patterns of compromise: 1) upward moves and 2) downward moves in multiple extrinsic attributes, 3) concessions in firm size and wage, and 4) concessions in regular working hours and status. Multinomial logistic regressions indicate that compromise formation is hardly socially stratified in terms of parental education and occupational position. Compared to natives, VET entrants from second-generation migrant families are more likely to move upward into relative better training occupations than occupations originally aspired to.

“You can’t always get what you want”: Prevalence, magnitude, and predictors of the aspiration–attainment gap after the school-to-work transition

This study examined the prevalence, magnitude, and predictors of the aspiration–attainment gap (AAG) after the school-to-work transition. We operationalized the AAG as the discrepancy between the socioeconomic status (SES) of young people’s realistic occupational aspirations and that of the position they actually attained. As a case in point, we investigated non-college-bound students transitioning into a vocational education and training (VET) position in Germany. Our aims were twofold: first, to establish how many students experience an AAG of what size; second, to identify characteristics that predict whether students experience an AAG. We considered sociostructural characteristics, cognitive ability and school grades, and Big Five personality traits as predictors (i.e., potential determinants) of the AAG. Analyses in a representative sample (N = 2,478) of intermediate secondary school (Realschule) students/graduates from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS; Starting Cohort 4) revealed that 45.9% of students experienced an AAG. Two-part regression models showed that the level of aspirations was the strongest predictor of the experience and size of an AAG, followed by school grades. Aspirations also mediated the effects of several other predictors, most importantly parental SES and school grades. Parental SES, female gender, and Emotional Stability had contradictory effects: They indirectly increased the risk of experiencing an AAG by raising aspirations, but at the same time they lowered this risk by directly increasing attainment. Overall, our results suggest that the AAG during the transition from school to VET is a widespread experience among students in Germany that is worthy of further investigation.

All I have to do is dream? The role of aspirations in intergenerational mobility and well-being

This study (i) provides a comprehensive analysis of the determinants of educational and occupational aspirations of teenagers; (ii) analyses the link between aspirations and achievements, and (iii) explores the effects of unmet aspirations on life satisfaction. Using the British 1958 NCDS cohort data that follow individuals nearly 60 years since birth, we show that aspirations are largely influenced by parents’ socioeconomic status and by parents’ own aspirations for their children. Next, we show that aspirations correlate with achievements, over and above socioeconomic background and ability, suggesting that aspirations are a driver of achievements. Finally, when achievements in early adulthood fail to reach the level of aspirations set at a young age, people report a lower level of subjective well-being. This negative effect from falling behind own aspirations is more pronounced among male adults, but it disappears in later adulthood. By age 50, exceeding one's childhood aspirations positively affects life satisfaction.

Data mining to detect variables associated with the occupational aspirations of Spanish 15-year-old students

The purpose of this work is to identify contextual variables that help to explain the occupational aspirations of Spanish 15-year-old students. This is done by performing a secondary analysis of the PISA2018 test. Data have been analysed using decision trees introducing the students’ expected occupational status as a dependent variable (DV), and the other items and indicators considered as predictors. The results show that the variables that contributed most to explaining DV were grade repetition, mastery goal orientation, enjoying reading and self-concept of reading. The findings of this exploratory work can be used as a basis for further studies aimed at establishing causal relationships between these variables and students' occupational aspirations.

Pushing Higher or Lower? Divergent Parental Expectations and Compromises in Occupational Choice

Many adolescents in Germany are unable to realize their realistic occupational aspirations when they transition from school to vocational education and training (VET). However, little is known about the underlying circumstances and what the compromises look like when these adolescents come to take up a VET occupation. As parents perform an important socialization role, which is also influential in occupational orientation, this article examines the role of divergent parental expectations. Are parental expectations, which differ from adolescents’ realistic occupational aspirations, related to the probability that adolescents will take up different occupations than they originally aspired to? Are relatively higher or lower parental expectations associated with a corresponding direction of compromise formation? Are there differences between men and women in the relationship between divergent parental expectations and compromise formation? This empirical analysis is based on a sample of 1243 VET entrants from the starting cohort 4 of the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS). The compromise formation of the adolescents is measured by comparing their realistic occupational aspirations from ninth grade with their first VET occupation. Results from multinomial logistic regression models show that adolescents adjust their occupational choices to their parents’ divergent expectations. Women are more likely to make compromises that accommodate their parents’ higher expectations.

Pushing Higher or Lower? Divergent Parental Expectations and Compromises in Occupational Choice

Many adolescents in Germany are unable to realize their realistic occupational aspirations when they transition from school to vocational education and training (VET). However, little is known about the underlying circumstances and what the compromises look like when these adolescents come to take up a VET occupation. As parents perform an important socialization role, which is also influential in occupational orientation, this article examines the role of divergent parental expectations. Are parental expectations, which differ from adolescents’ realistic occupational aspirations, related to the probability that adolescents will take up different occupations than they originally aspired to? Are relatively higher or lower parental expectations associated with a corresponding direction of compromise formation? Are there differences between men and women in the relationship between divergent parental expectations and compromise formation? This empirical analysis is based on a sample of 1243 VET entrants from the starting cohort 4 of the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS). The compromise formation of the adolescents is measured by comparing their realistic occupational aspirations from ninth grade with their first VET occupation. Results from multinomial logistic regression models show that adolescents adjust their occupational choices to their parents’ divergent expectations. Women are more likely to make compromises that accommodate their parents’ higher expectations.

Study of factors affecting the occupational aspiration of students of senior secondary level

The purpose of present paper is to study the factors affecting the occupational aspiration of students. A descriptive survey method has been used in this study. A total sample of 150 students were selected. The findings of present study revealed that most of the students believe that parents and family, socio-economic status & friends and peer group are major factors which have been affecting the occupational aspiration.

Gender Typicality and Prestige of Occupational Aspirations in Adolescents: The Relevance of Agency and Communion

Occupational gender segregation is still a persistent problem in the labor market. This study investigates gender differences in gender typicality and prestige of occupational aspirations in early adolescence, as well as the role of agency and communion in these differences. In total, 2779 adolescents (age 11–15) reported their occupational aspirations, later coded for gender typicality and prestige. Participants also described themselves spontaneously with three attributes, then coded in terms of agency and communion. The results showed significant gender differences in a stereotypical direction for 40% of the occupations named, with boys expressing a clear preference for male-dominated and girls for female-dominated occupations. Conversely, the results revealed higher aspirations among girls regarding occupational prestige. Communion was found to be a significant mediator between gender and aspirations to typically feminine occupations, while agency mediated the relationship between gender and the prestige of aspirations. The findings’ implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Educational and Occupational Aspirations: A Longitudinal Study of Vienna Youth

During their transition from lower to upper secondary education, young peoplemake educational and occupational choices driven by their aspirations. Such aspirations are shaped by the individuals’ social environment, their idea of what seems achievable and desirable, and their experiences. Therefore, aspirations can change during the transitional phase. In this article, we explore the development of educational and occupational aspirations of young people over three years. At the start of the study period, the students were attending the lower track in lower secondary education, the so‐called Neue Mittelschule (8th grade), in the city of Vienna in the 2017–2018 academic year. Drawing on the panel survey data (2018–2020) of the Pathways to the Future project, we simultaneously explore stability and change of educational and occupational aspirations. We describe different patterns of change in aspirations and analyse the influence of sociodemographic characteristics and prior achievement on these patterns. Using latent transition analysis, we identify 11 patterns of aspirations with important differences depending on social background. Most of the students have stable aspirations. However, the results show that school performance, migration background, and the level of parental education play important roles in explaining different levels and patterns of aspirations over time. These longitudinal analyses of educational and occupational aspirations provide important insights into the transition process.

Understanding the Persistence of Occupational Sex Segregation in German Labour Markets: How Gender Attitudes Shape Young Women\u2019s Occupational Aspirations

The persistence of occupational sex segregation is a global phenomenon that relegates women into lower paid, lower status jobs. Understanding why young women apparently choose such jobs is integral to reversing decades of economic inequality related to employment. The strength of the association between the education system and labour market as well as high levels of occupational sex segregation makes Germany an interesting case to study. Using data from the National Education Panel Study (NEPS) Starting Cohort 4 data, I examine whether the occupational aspirations of female secondary school students are related to family characteristics and/or attitudes to gender roles. The results indicate that girls with fathers employed in male-dominated occupations hold more conservative gender attitudes than their peers with fathers employed in gender-neutral occupations. Girls with more conservative gender attitudes are more likely to hold aspirations for jobs in female-dominated occupations. These findings suggest that despite growth in gender-neutral knowledge-based industries, the socialisation of young women, particularly with regard to attitudes to appropriate roles for women, continues to influence occupational aspirations.

Do high aspirations lead to better outcomes? Evidence from a longitudinal survey of adolescents in Peru

Using a novel panel survey of relatively poor urban Peruvian adolescents, we explore the link between educational aspirations and propensity to invest in the future. Aspirations comprise hope and agency. We find remarkably high educational aspirations, even among relatively poor individuals and adolescents who were exposed to negative shocks, suggesting high levels of resilience. We also find high occupational aspirations and aspirations to migrate. High-aspiration respondents were also more likely to invest in their education and avoid risky behaviors. These are associations as we do not have enough data to establish causality, although we were able to control for within-person traits. Aspirations are stable over time and positively associated with personality traits such as self-efficacy and life satisfaction, which help explain their persistence over time. Our findings complement those of other recent studies that highlight the role of personality traits in addition to cognitive skills in long-term educational, health, and socioeconomic outcomes.

Sex differences in adolescents' occupational aspirations: Variations across time and place.

We investigated sex differences in 473,260 adolescents’ aspirations to work in things-oriented (e.g., mechanic), people-oriented (e.g., nurse), and STEM (e.g., mathematician) careers across 80 countries and economic regions using the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). We analyzed student career aspirations in combination with student achievement in mathematics, reading, and science, as well as parental occupations and family wealth. In each country and region, more boys than girls aspired to a things-oriented or STEM occupation and more girls than boys to a people-oriented occupation. These sex differences were larger in countries with a higher level of women’s empowerment. We explain this counter-intuitive finding through the indirect effect of wealth. Women’s empowerment is associated with relatively high levels of national wealth and this wealth allows more students to aspire to occupations they are intrinsically interested in. Implications for better understanding the sources of sex differences in career aspirations and associated policy are discussed.

Aspiration Level of Undergraduates and Post Graduate Agriculture Students

The focus on career and career preparation has long been a major component of secondary agricultural education programs. Aspiration can be defined as hope or ambition of achieving something. The occupational choices for agricultural students are many, varied and chosen based. The study was carried out in college of Agriculture, Jabalpur, JNKVV with the total sample of 120, level of occupational aspiration of undergraduate and postgraduate students were determined. The socio personal traits of the Undergraduate(UG) and Postgraduate(PG) result found that majority of the students enrolled were male for undergraduate and postgraduate, had attended the medium of school as hindi for both UG and PG, nearly half of the respondents fathers were in government services for both UG and PG, both UG and PG graduates majority mothers were housewives, family size was small(55%) for UG and 50.00 per cent medium family size for PG Students, and academic performance, UG and PG students had secured 1st division. The result concluded that in socio personal traits of both the undergraduate and postgraduate students had medium level of occupational aspiration i.e 53.40 and 51.60 respectively.

Trajectories of subject-interests development and influence factors in higher education

It is a well-studied phenomenon, that throughout the course of studying at university, the motivation for the study program decreases. Correlation between motivation and learners’ behaviour, for example the learning process, achievement or, in the worst case, dropout exist. So there is a need for understanding the development of motivation in detail, like that of subject-interests, and for identifying influence factors, especially for higher education. This panel study examined the development of 4,345 students in higher education. Growth mixture models for subject-interests identify two classes of trajectories: “descending interest” and “continuously high interest”. In a next step, the analysis shows that gender, university entrance score, academic field and occupational aspiration influence membership of the classes. The results are discussed with respect to their consequences for education programs, but also with respect to possible new research questions.