Influence of culture, family and individual differences on choice of gender‐dominated occupations among female students in tertiary institutions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of family, individual difference and cultural factors on the choice of gender‐dominated occupations among female students in some tertiary institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A field‐based survey approach was adopted to collect quantitative data through the means of questionnaires from 340 female students randomly selected from tertiary institutions in Southwest Nigeria.

Findings

Hierarchical multiple‐regression statistical analysis employed revealed that family, individual differences and cultural factors were good predictors (collectively and independently) of choice of gender‐dominated occupations of female students.

Research limitations/implications

These findings were limited to nursing and engineering professions as well as variables investigated. Thus, future researchers should make efforts to extend the study's scope to other professions that could be categorized as gender‐dominated occupations.

Originality/value

The findings provide evidence on the factors influencing the choice of gender‐dominated occupations among female students. Hence, attention should be paid to the predicting variables investigated in that they provided significant basis for this study. These predicting variables could assist the female students in making realistic and purposeful career choices, so that they could overcome the barriers of occupational stereotyping in Nigerian society. This would enable the women to contribute their quota to their families and society in general.

Citation

Salami, S.O. (2007), "Influence of culture, family and individual differences on choice of gender‐dominated occupations among female students in tertiary institutions", Women in Management Review, Vol. 22 No. 8, pp. 650-665. https://doi.org/10.1108/09649420710836326