Class
Article
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty Mentor
Christy Glass
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Observed gender differences in career attainment lead many observers to conclude that women and men differ in terms of career and family aspirations. Yet recent national data suggest that career and family-based attitudinal differences between men and women are shrinking, particularly among younger generations. This study asks whether men and women nearing college graduation hold different career goals, and whether these differences change over time as graduates form families and enter careers. We focus our analysis on Utah, a culturally conservative state that ranks last in terms of women’s professional advancement. By analyzing and tracking gender differences in career goals, we hope to better understand the factors that shape women’s career trajectories and contribute to gender differences in career attainment over time. Our analysis will be based on a multi-method longitudinal survey of graduating Honors students at a large R1 university. Wave 1 included a sample of graduating Seniorss who are members of the Honors Program, as well as Alumni from the Honors program. Participants completed a survey about their career aspirations and expectations. Surveys were followed by in depth interviews to further explore what experiences shaped the development of their aspirations. Wave 2 will include a similar survey that also accesses change. Wave 2 will also be supplemented by in-depth interviews with a sample of survey respondents comprised of recent graduates and alum.
Location
Room 154
Start Date
4-12-2018 1:30 PM
End Date
4-12-2018 2:45 PM
Career Aspirations in Conservative Culture
Room 154
Observed gender differences in career attainment lead many observers to conclude that women and men differ in terms of career and family aspirations. Yet recent national data suggest that career and family-based attitudinal differences between men and women are shrinking, particularly among younger generations. This study asks whether men and women nearing college graduation hold different career goals, and whether these differences change over time as graduates form families and enter careers. We focus our analysis on Utah, a culturally conservative state that ranks last in terms of women’s professional advancement. By analyzing and tracking gender differences in career goals, we hope to better understand the factors that shape women’s career trajectories and contribute to gender differences in career attainment over time. Our analysis will be based on a multi-method longitudinal survey of graduating Honors students at a large R1 university. Wave 1 included a sample of graduating Seniorss who are members of the Honors Program, as well as Alumni from the Honors program. Participants completed a survey about their career aspirations and expectations. Surveys were followed by in depth interviews to further explore what experiences shaped the development of their aspirations. Wave 2 will include a similar survey that also accesses change. Wave 2 will also be supplemented by in-depth interviews with a sample of survey respondents comprised of recent graduates and alum.