It Runs in the Family: Association of Parental Occupation and Physical Scientists’ Interest in Science

• In Event: Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Learner Characteristics

Abstract

In this paper, we aim to study the role parental occupations play in shaping their children’s science-based interests or career trajectories. We use the SCCT theory to explain such parent-child dynamics, and grounded theory approach to analyze 17 interviews of physical scientists from Project Crossover, a mixed methodological study examining the transition of physical scientists from graduate students to independent researchers. Our results indicate indirect and direct influences of parental occupations on children’s careers. Factors like parental encouragement, role modeling, or career counseling helped scientists make career choices. Parental occupation often leads to motivation and knowledge, generating science interest in children. Our findings depict the important role parents play in fostering science interest and shaping their children’s career trajectories.

Authors

• Devasmita Chakraverty, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

• Robert H. Tai, University of Virginia