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Gendered STEM career choices: Altruistic values, beliefs, and identity
Wegemer, Christopher M. Eccles, Jacquelynne S.
Wegemer, Christopher M.
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.
Keywords
STEM, gender, career choice, motivation, altruism, femininity
Date
2019
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Vocational Behavior
Book
Volume
110
Issue
Page Range
28-42
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled