Influence of selected variables on occupational attitudes and perceived occupational abilities of young adolescents

Abstract

As part of a multi-year career equity project designed to reduce gender bias in career exploration, 6,756 students of 71 Indiana middle and junior high schools responded to a questionnaire which assessed their beliefs about and expectations of anticipated educational accomplishments, future lifestyles, career decision-making, and perceptions of career opportunities open to men and women in today's society. Students also furnished demographic data and reacted to 20 occupations by indicating whether they believed they could do the work called for by an occupation, given the necessary education and/or training, and whether they would consider that kind of work as a career. Ten of the presented occupations had been traditionally dominated by males, with the other 10 traditionally dominated by females. It was possible to rank schools from 1 to 71 according to their students' responses.Ten schools were identified, five at each extreme. Five were characterized by students who responded they could perform most if not all of the occupations, and would consider most if not all of them as a career. At the other extreme were five schools characterized by students who responded they could perform none or only a small number of the occupations, and would consider few if any of them as a possible career.

Early Adolescents' Career Aspirations: A Qualitative Study of Perceived Barriers and Family Support among Low-Income, Ethnically Diverse Adolescents

“…The results of this study suggest that greater maturity for women about career aspirations may begin at an early age. This finding also is consistent with previous research, which has found that women have a more complex view of the occupations available to them (McDonald & Jessell, 1992).…”

Critical Issues in Career Development and Employment Preparation for Adolescents with Disabilities

“…The research regarding socioeconomic status (SES) and family life situations does indicate that young male adolescents from low-SES communities in single-parent homes are more at risk occupationally (McDonald & Jessell, 1992). In fact, the involvement of extended family members who can act as role models for students from communities with high unemployment and limited opportunities would appear to be extremely beneficial.…”

Parent Academic Involvement as Related to School Behavior, Achievement, and Aspirations: Demographic Variations Across Adolescence

“…Parent academic involvement may ensure that adolescents obtain academic skills and knowledge that prepare them for considering higher level occupations (Young & Friesen, 1992). In fact, school performance and career aspirations in adolescence are often correlated (Abu‐Hilal, 2000; Mao, 1995; Trusty, Robinson, Plata, & Ng, 2000), and supportive parents are associated with the development of career aspirations (Hill, Ramirez, & Dumka, 2003; McDonald & Jessell, 1992; McWhirter, Hacket, & Bandalos, 1998; Young & Freisen, 1990; Young, Freisen, & Borycki, 1994). Although research has consistently shown that parent academic involvement is associated with achievement and achievement is related to career and educational aspirations, little is known about whether parental involvement in schooling is ultimately related to adolescents' aspirations for adulthood and the mechanisms of influence, especially across the middle and high school years.…”