Gender Stereotyped and Gender Neutral Career Information: A Theoretical Analysis of Career Choice Preferences, Occupational Aspirations, and Perceived Career Suitability among College Students

Abstract

Career decisions made during college are often described as expressions of personal interest, ability, and opportunity. Yet career preferences are also shaped by the social meanings attached to occupations and by the way career information is presented. Gender-stereotyped career information may signal that certain occupations are more appropriate, attainable, or socially acceptable for one gender than another, whereas gender-neutral information may present occupational roles in ways that reduce unnecessary gender cues and broaden perceived possibilities. The present theoretical paper examines how these two forms of information may influence career choice preferences, occupational aspirations, and perceived career suitability among college students. Drawing on social cognitive career theory, expectancy-value perspectives, circumscription and compromise theory, role congruity theory, stereotype-threat research, and work on belonging and gendered occupational cues, the paper argues that career information can influence career development through several interconnected pathways. These include self-efficacy, outcome expectations, subjective task value, perceived belonging, anticipated social acceptance, role congruity, and judgments about person–occupation fit.