Traditional Gender Role Beliefs and Career Attainment in STEM: A Gendered Story?

• In Event: 72.050 - Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: 72.050-2 - Adolescent and Early Adulthood: Effects on Adult Adjustment

Abstract

Gender-role beliefs (i.e., beliefs about gender-specific responsibilities) are key determinants of one’s educational and occupational aspirations and choices. Focusing on STEM careers, this study aims to examine how traditional gender-role beliefs (TGRB) at age 18 influence subsequent educational and STEM occupational attainment at age 42. Using longitudinal data from the Michigan Study of Adolescent and Adult Life Transitions (n = 690; 58% female), participants’ occupations were categorized into three categories: traditional STEM-related careers in the physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, and technology (PMET); life sciences (e.g., health sciences); and non-STEM. Findings showed that TGRB predicted lower educational attainment for females only. Females with stronger TGRBs also had a lower likelihood to be in PMET occupations—controlling for educational attainment.

Authors

• Anna-Lena Dicke, University of California - Irvine

• Nayssan Safavian, University of California - Irvine

• Jacquelynne Eccles, University of California - Irvine