Surprising Initial Findings Regarding Sex, Sex Role, and Anticipated Work-Family Conflict

Young Women's Science/Mathematics Career Goals From Seventh Grade to High School Graduation

“…Some research has examined women's perceptions of a role conflict between a STEM career and family responsibilities to understand the loss of women from these fields (Arnold, 1993;Betz, 1994;McCracken & Weitzman, 1997;Nauta et al, 1998;Packard, 2002;Seymour & Hewitt, 1997;Ware & Hill, 1988). From that perspective, women believe that professional and family roles are difficult to combine (Livingston & Burley, 1991) because the demands of a STEM career limit opportunities to fulfill family responsibilities (Nauta et al).…”

“…Other researchers have noted that the perceived demands of STEM occupations are viewed as especially burdensome when young women anticipate or have family responsibilities (Seymour & Hewitt, 1997;Ware & Lee, 1988). Young women may then reject STEM goals because they do not perceive ways to combine their career and family roles (Arnold, 1993;Betz, 1994;Burlew & Johnson, 1992;Lips, 1992;Livingston & Burley, 1991;Nauta et al, 1998).…”

A multiple-groups analysis of predictors of higher level career aspirations among women in mathematics, science, and engineering majors.

“…One hypothesis, drawn from social–cognitive theory, is that role models illustrate ways role conflict may be handled. Role conflict occurs when a person perceives that the demands required by work and family roles are incompatible or extremely difficult to combine (Livingston & Burley, 1991). A number of researchers (Arnold, 1993; Betz, 1994; Betz & Fitzgerald, 1987; Fassinger, 1990; Olsen, Frieze, & Detlefsen, 1990) have suggested that women avoid traditionally male careers because they perceive (perhaps accurately) that these fields allow little freedom to pursue family interests and responsibilities.…”

Women in mathematics, science, and engineering college majors: A model predicting career aspirations based on ability, self-efficacy, role model influence, and role conflict

“…Another hypothesis about the way in which role models influence career outcomes is that role models may illustrate ways in which role conflict may be handled. Role conflict occurs when a person perceives that the demands required by work and family roles are incompatible or extremely difficult to combine (Livingston & Buriey, 1991), and there Is support for the hypothesis that access to effective role models reduces such conflict. Almquist and Angrist (1971) and Gilbert (1985) found evidence suggesting that women who had been exposed to role models with careers and families were more likely to believe that combining work and family demands can be accomplished effectively.…”

“…Combining occupational work and family life has become the norm and lifestyle preference for both men and women(Gilbert, 1994), and one common form of role conflict experienced by those who are full-time members of the labor force is that between work and family responsibilities. This type of conflict occurs when a person perceives that the role demands associated with wori< and family are incompatible or extremely difficult to combine successfully(Livingston & Buriey, 1991). Because women have traditionally been responsible for home and family responsibilities, they may be more susceptible than men to experiencing role conflict if they choose to pursue a career(Betz, 1994b, Betz & Fitzgerald, 1987.…”