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7 - Uncertainty in educational and career aspirations

Gender differences in young people

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 October 2014

By
Leslie Morrison Gutman ,
Ricardo Sabates  and
Ingrid Schoon
Edited by
Ingrid Schoon  and
Jacquelynne S. Eccles
Leslie Morrison Gutman
Affiliation:
University of London
Ricardo Sabates
Affiliation:
University of Sussex
Ingrid Schoon
Affiliation:
University of London
Ingrid Schoon
Affiliation:
Institute of Education, University of London
Jacquelynne S. Eccles
Affiliation:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Summary

Abstract

Drawing upon data from two British age cohorts born in 1970 and 1990, this chapter examines gender and socio-historical differences regarding uncertainty in the educational and career aspirations of young people. Despite differences in the age of assessment and measurement, findings suggest that similar background characteristics are associated with uncertain aspirations in the two age cohorts. Males were more uncertain of their educational aspirations than were females. Uncertainty was also associated with growing up in a relatively disadvantaged family, with parents who did not expect their children to continue in education, as well as with low academic attainment, low levels of school motivation, and lack of belief in one’s own ability. However, findings indicated differences in the associated outcomes of uncertain aspirations between the two age cohorts. In the earlier-born cohort, young people with uncertain aspirations were more likely to be not in education, employment, or training (NEET), while there were no differences in NEET due to uncertain aspirations in the later-born cohort. The findings point toward a female advantage regarding certainty in aspirations as well as a prolonged period of career exploration in the later-born cohort.

Type
Chapter
Information
Gender Differences in Aspirations and Attainment
A Life Course Perspective
 , pp. 161 - 181
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2014

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