How Gender Stereotypes Impact the Career Choice of High School Students

Abstract

Nowadays, gender stereotypes are a common belief or prejudice for both males and females. Negative or positive gender stereotypes may coexist:  women are typically defined as vulnerable, whereas gender stereotypes of men are mostly positive, such as men being more dynamic and logical. Previous research has evidenced that gender stereotypes are perceived differently by the sexes. However, how diverse gender stereotypes can influence adolescents' choices requires comprehensive investigation. This study focuses on the influence of gender stereotypes on adolescents' occupational choices. The study found that most adolescents are influenced by gender stereotypes in their career choices, either from family upbringing or from school upbringing. However, there is a small percentage of adolescents who are firm in their career choice from the beginning to the end and are not influenced by gender stereotypes. To reduce the negative impact of gender stereotypes on adolescents' occupational choices, this experimental study also suggests several strategies, including schools offering courses to properly guide adolescents' gender perceptions.