Developmental and Sex Differences in Occupational Preferences

The present study (N = 479 students) investigated children's preferences in regard to four traditionally female occupations and four traditionally male occupations. Each pair of jobs was selected to represent four different levels of status: i.e., professional, skilled, semiskilled, and unskilled labor. Results were as predicted. Over four age groups from fifth grade through college, boys and girls became less stereotypic in their occupational preferences. Apparently, once children become aware that jobs of higher status level offer more rewards in terms of money and prestige, they will choose a higher status nontraditional job, rather than a lower status traditional job. This appears to be more true for females than for males.