GENDER OR HELPER? TEENS CAREER CHOICES BETWEEN GENDER AND ALTRUISM

Abstract

This paper intends to explore the aspects related to the gender stereotypes, altruism and career choices among adolescents. In order to analyze the aspirations and career orientation of young generations we used a survey to measure gender stereotypes and a personality scale to measure altruism; a careers inquiry technique has been used to investigate their professional aspirations. Qualitative research allows us to define career profiles used by participants and to predict their interests in male and female professions affected by gender stereotypes. The results show that most altruistic young people tend to be less influenced by gender stereotypes in the evaluation of career choices. Moreover, altruists prefer more relational professions, thus confirming altruism as a favorable dimension for a pro-social working life. The implications of this article will serve as a resource for educational programs to promote altruism as a way of thinking and to prevent gender stereotypes. Article visualizations: