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Men and women in optometry. II. Attitudes toward career and family
L I Voorhees1, J B Ryan, R L Hopping
1Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton 92831-1699, USA.
Background:
Optometry has experienced a dramatic upward shift in the percentage of women entering the profession during the past 20 years. Our survey assessed the mechanisms for sustaining balance in professional and personal roles used by women optometrists and how these mechanisms may differ from those of their male colleagues.
Methods:
A survey questionnaire was mailed to a large nationwide random sample of optometrists, composed of equal numbers of men and women.
Results:
Data were analyzed from 353 men and 358 women; margin of error was +4%. Most of the respondents indicated they derived personal satisfaction from their career. A majority of both groups did not indicate that lack of time for their career was a source of frustration. However, significantly more women than men indicated some frustration in pursuing those activities that lead to career advancement. There were significant differences in response patterns of men and women about the effect of family, child care, and household work on their careers.
Conclusions:
Both men and women optometrists are satisfied with their careers and neither group feels compelled to choose between career and family. Optometrists do not fit into one pattern, but instead make individualized career choices on the basis of needs.