A study from Michigan State University has uncovered notable variations in career interests between men and women. Despite these differences in interests, the study revealed unexpectedly large gender gaps in career opportunities.
This research, emphasising more pronounced gender disparities at lower education levels, underscores the urgency for gender diversity initiatives in fields that do not necessitate a college degree.
Published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior, the study analysed career interests of a national sample of 1.28 million individuals, observing differences in men’s and women’s career preferences. It also correlated these differences with gender disparities in actual career choices, using national employment data. The study uniquely examined these gender differences across various social groups, including age, ethnicity, and educational attainment.
Kevin Hoff, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor at MSU’s Department of Psychology, commented: “There’s been a big push to get women in STEM, which has been great, but we also need to focus more on getting men into prosocial careers, such as teaching, as well as getting women into the trades. The trades are growing in demand and aren’t going to be replaced by automation anytime soon, and if more men enter teaching and helping careers, it will help reduce the rigidity of other career stereotypes.”
The study found that although men showed interest in prosocial occupations like teaching, counselling, and healthcare services, they were underrepresented in these fields. Conversely, women were less employed than expected in high-status occupations such as management, engineering, and computer science, as well as in roles involving tools and machinery, despite showing interest in these areas.
Hoff further stated: “We know that people’s interests are shaped by gender roles and stereotypes, so we need educational programs to help combat this when it comes to job interests and employment. However, equal gender representation in all career fields doesn’t have to be the goal. We still want people working in jobs that interest them.”
The researchers acknowledged the limitations of categorising gender into men and women and suggested further studies exploring gender identity and intersectionality in the workforce.
