Background: The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) remains a persistent international challenge with complex causes. This study draws on five complementary theoretical perspectives--theory of circumscription and compromise, situated expectancy-value theory, the internal/external frame of…

This study used social cognitive career theory to predict the career aspirations and tenure expectations of untenured female science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) assistant professors. We hypothesized that contextual variables (perceived career barriers and institutional support for work-life balance) would directly predict career…

This study examined the long-term effects of perceived educational and career barriers due to sexism and racism in college students' pursuit of postgraduate education (PE) and how such effects were different across gender and racial majority/minority groups. With a sample of 2,717 undergraduate students, results from multinomial logistic…

Finland is known worldwide for their strong K-12 education system and robust gender equality across their nation. However, these facts have not translated into strong representation of women in physics degree attainment and the workforce. This study seeks to understand the motivations and consideration to leave of university physics students in…

This study examined how college women's instrumentality and expectations about combining work and family predicted early career development variables. Specifically, 177 undergraduate women completed measures of instrumentality (i.e., traits such as ambition, assertiveness, and risk taking), willingness to compromise career for family, anticipated…

A longitudinal sample from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 was used to determine differences in work outcomes between (a) individuals with learning disabilities or emotional-behavior disorders and (b) individuals with or without disabilities. Twelve factors were arranged into individual, family, school-peer, and community categories.…

Scant attention has been devoted to the study of public school assistant superintendents, particularly to those charged with the responsibilities of overseeing district-wide practices in regard to curriculum and instruction. This study provided an analysis of the career aspirations, career satisfaction, career efficacy, and career longevity, as…

During the last 30 years, women have made tremendous advances in educational attainment especially in post-secondary education. Despite these advances, recent researchers have revealed that women continue to remain underrepresented in attainment of graduate degrees in the sciences. The researcher's purpose in this study was to extend previous…

Examined selected predictor variables from baseline 1988 wave of data, taken from the National Education Longitudinal Study, in relation to pregnancy status. Results indicated statistically significant difference in locus of control between those females who became pregnant later in adolescence (external) and those who did not (internal).…

Examined environmental and psychological predictors of career and achievement motivation in 162 married female reentry college students. Findings suggested that feminine sex-typed women may be highly achieving given adequate support, while androgynous women may succeed in a different environment. Fear of success was highest in highly motivated…

Investigates the influence of family characteristics, psychological factors, and socioeconomic factors on youth's occupational status aspirations, female aspirations for atypical occupations, and minority and upper-class youth's employment aspirations. (Author/MJL)

Women at a liberal arts college were nontraditional in terms of their educational and career goals, and traditional in terms of plans for marriage and motherhood. Age, grade, religious upbringing, college major, enrollment in Women's Studies courses, and mothers' educational attainment were all significant predictors of life goals. (Author)

Increase in predictability of vocational plans of college women (N=152) was sought by using variables from Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS). The most recent daydream and summary of daydream codes were the best single predictors of academic major. The most recent daydream was the best single predictor of vocational plans. (Author)

Among high school students, males' educational and career aspirations were strongly influenced by their academic ability and achievement, while females' aspirations were influenced mainly by parental attitudes and their socioeconomic background. (Author/MJL)

Examined the amount of support, encouragement, and discouragement 470 women received from others when considering enrolling in a male-traditional vocational course. Results revealed nontraditionals consistently received more support and encouragement than traditionals. Nontraditionals and those who considered the male-dominated program received…