'First, it’s dirty. Second, it’s dangerous. Third, it’s insulting': Chinese Children Talk about Work and Careers

• In Event: Is What I Do Work? Constructions of Work

Abstract

This study investigates how pre-kindergarten through fourth grade Chinese children talk about meanings of work, particularly dirty, dangerous, and demanding (3D) work, occupations they associate with this work, and how these associations influence occupational preferences. Results highlighted differences in children’s categorizations of occupations as 3D work and constructions of occupational prestige, suggesting important theoretical and practical implications for the meanings/meaningfulness of work, occupational socialization, career development, and occupational choice across the lifespan and cultures.

Authors

• Brenda Berkelaar, Purdue University

• Patrice Buzzanell, Purdue University

• Lorraine Kisselburgh, Purdue University