Personality Traits and Curricular Choices of Undergraduate Women in Home Economics

Abstract

296 undergraduate women in home economics were administered a biodata questionnaire, the Attitudes Toward Women Scale-Short Form, and the California Psychological Inventory to determine whether there is a single “type” of home-economics major or whether students in various specializations in home economics differ from one another. Analysis indicated that majors varied on attitudes toward women's roles, two California Psychological Inventory factors (general adjustment and good impression; extraversion and social confidence or poise), and grades. Results can be interpreted in terms of theories of career choice which emphasize person-environment fit, implementation of self-concept, and other personality characteristics including gender-role attitudes.