Gendered STEM career choices: Altruistic values, beliefs, and identity

Journal article


Wegemer, Christopher M. and Eccles, Jacquelynne S.. (2019). Gendered STEM career choices: Altruistic values, beliefs, and identity. Journal of Vocational Behavior. 110, pp. 28 - 42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2018.10.020
AuthorsWegemer, Christopher M. and Eccles, Jacquelynne S.
Abstract

Female representation remains uneven across STEM fields. Expectancy-Value Theory provides a framework for understanding complexities of STEM career choices; values, as well as gendered beliefs and identity, predict achievement-related behaviors and are associated with STEM gender differences. Specifically, this study aims to understand how altruism and femininity may differentiate membership in STEM fields. The Maryland Adolescent Development in Context Study tracked adolescents from 7th grade to age 26. Six cross-sectional sub-samples of participants associated with STEM outcomes were used. We found altruism partially accounted for gender discrepancies between STEM disciplines; gender, altruism, and femininity predicted towards life sciences and away from physical sciences. Altruism mediated the relationship between femininity and STEM choice and was substantially more predictive than self-concept of ability. This study highlights the importance of values and offers evidence that STEM career trajectories may be influenced by congruency between values, identity, and gendered beliefs about STEM fields.

KeywordsSTEM; gender; career choice; motivation; altruism; femininity
Year2019
JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior
Journal citation110, pp. 28 - 42
PublisherAcademic Press Inc.
ISSN0001-8791
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2018.10.020
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85057000276
Page range28 - 42
Research GroupInstitute for Positive Psychology and Education
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited States of America
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https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/87z0z/gendered-stem-career-choices-altruistic-values-beliefs-and-identity

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