The Role of Masculinity/Femininity, Values, and Occupational Value Affordances in Shaping Young Men’s and Women’s Occupational Choices

Gender differences in occupational values have been well-established, yet little research has examined the predictive qualities of individual difference variables such as self-perceived masculinity/femininity on values and these constructs’ predictive role in the traditionality and perceived value a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sex roles 2011-08, Vol.65 (3-4), p.243-258
Main Authors: Weisgram, Erica S., Dinella, Lisa M., Fulcher, Megan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Biological and medical sciences
Career Choice
Career Development
College Students
Femininity
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gender differences
Gender Studies
Intervention
Males
Masculinity
Medicine/Public Health
Occupational Choice
Original Article
Prediction
Psychology
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Sex Differences
Social psychology
Social role. Sex role
Sociology
Values
Work Values
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Summary:Gender differences in occupational values have been well-established, yet little research has examined the predictive qualities of individual difference variables such as self-perceived masculinity/femininity on values and these constructs’ predictive role in the traditionality and perceived value affordances of future occupations—or the values persons expect a job to fulfill. Undergraduates (185 males, 401 females) from the Eastern, Southern, and Midwestern United States reported their occupational values, self-perceived masculinity/femininity, expected occupations, and the perceived value affordances of these jobs. Results indicated significant relationships among self-perceived masculinity/femininity, value endorsements, and the perceptions of value affordances. Results also indicated some differences among the three subsamples as well as gender differences across subsamples. Also, value endorsements mediated the relationships between self-perceived masculinity/femininity and traditionality and self-perceived masculinity/femininity and perceived value affordances. Thus, the values associated with jobs and personal value endorsements are important variables in career choice. The implications of these findings are discussed, and it is suggested that perceptions of occupational value affordances may be an entry point for intervention when trying to reduce occupational gender segregation.
ISSN:0360-0025
1573-2762
DOI:10.1007/s11199-011-9998-0