Career Decision Self-Efficacy of Lesbians Throughout the Life Span

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of lesbian identity development and internalized homophobia and the impact on career decision self-eficacy. One hundred and twenty four women participated Although the sample was highly integrated, participants reported diferent experiences in their career development. Implications f . r counseling lesbian clients are discussed Career decision making and occupational choice are viewed as lifelong experiences, occurring in stages and contributing to an individual's values and beliefs. Engels ( I 994) postulated that the career development process addresses an individual's needs and goals that are associated with different stages of life; the focus and importance of career decision making and occupational choice may change over the years. In addition to environmental influences that affect both heterosexual women and lesbians, lesbians have the additional variable of sexual orientation, which makes it imperative to consider the impact of being lesbian and the prejudice against lesbian and gay individuals when making choices in work and career (Croteau & Hedstrom, 1993; Hetherington & Orzek, 1989; Orzek, 1992).Past research has suggested that sexual orientation does affect career choice and career development; however, little research exists regarding the actual career development process of women who identify as lesbian (Shallenberger, 1998). Boatwright, Gilbert, Forrest, and Kretzenberger (1996) found that lesbians had often (a) reexperienced a second adolescence as they developed their lesbian identity, (b) experienced delays and disruptions in the career development process, and (c) experienced some career benefits from associating with other lesbians. Each of these factors has affected career development and occupational choice for lesbians.Coming out has been discussed as a process with distinct stages of selfacceptance and awareness. It is an ongoing, lifelong process rather than a onetime event (Morrow, 1996), in which the transition to a lesbian identity has depended not only on internal forces (positive self-image and selfJane E. Rheineck, Counselor Education, University ofArkansac. Jane E.

Think leader, think heterosexual male? The perceived leadership effectiveness of gay male leaders

“…Gedro (2010) noted that lesbians transgress sexual orientation and often gender roles. In a study of 124 self-identified lesbians, Rheineck (2005) found that many lesbians who identified as "butch" or "butch-dyke" believed that their masculine presence resulted in discrimination. When lesbians transgress the norms of the female gender role, they may suffer negative consequences.…”

“…When lesbians transgress the norms of the female gender role, they may suffer negative consequences. In a study of 124 self-identified lesbians, Rheineck (2005) found that many lesbians who identified as "butch" or "butch-dyke" believed that their masculine presence resulted in discrimination. A gender nonconforming identity has important implications for gay and lesbian leaders, as gender role expectations are widely held beliefs and, therefore, an important source of discrimination if individuals do not conform to their gender roles.…”

Lesbian presentations and representations of leadership, and the implications for HRD

“…Additionally, individuals are more likely to assign a lesbian sexual orientation to women who as judged as unattractive (Dew, 1985) and masculine (Dunkle and Francis, 1996) in terms of facial features. Finally, female targets who are described as performing conventionally masculine tasks are more likely to be perceived as being a lesbian compared with targets described in conventional feminine terms (McCreary, 1994) (Wilkinson, 2006, p. 142). In her study of lesbian career-decision making, Rheineck (2005) discovered that lesbians believe that while their sexual orientation had no impact on their career, their gender expression did play a role in their discrimination. Rheineck noted that for women who identify as "butch" or "butch-dyke" felt that their masculine presence was an issue.…”

“…In her study of lesbian career‐decision making, Rheineck (2005) discovered that lesbians believe that while their sexual orientation had no impact on their career, their gender expression did play a role in their discrimination. Rheineck noted that for women who identify as “butch” or “butch‐dyke” felt that their masculine presence was an issue.…”

“…Women who have not conformed throughout their life to this ideal may have suffered negative consequences, such as being labeled “incompetent,” “unusual,” or “less than” other employees. Rheineck (2005, pp. 87‐8) observed that:Their difficulties arise from others being uncomfortable with this “alternative” gender expression, especially because sex role expectations have traditionally been deeply rooted in the majority culture of the United States.…”