Gender roles attitudes in choice of STEM careers: assessing the Social Cognitive Model

The persistence of gender gaps in STEM careers (related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) affects the participation of women in occupations that offer greater salary and career opportunities, due to gender stereotypes, social expectations and lower perceived self-efficacy. In this regard, the Socio-Cognitive Model of Career Choice explains how individuals develop professional interests, make educational and career choices, as well as the levels of achievement and persistence in the chosen fields. The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of attitudes towards gender roles in the choice of STEM careers, that is, in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, according to the Socio-Cognitive Model of Career Choice. The study was quantitative, with an explanatory design with manifest variables. The results showed a slight influence of gender roles on self-efficacy, but not on the other variables of career choice. Likewise, a significant and moderate presence of attitudes towards gender roles was reported. It was concluded that attitudes towards gender roles influence the choice of STEM careers, based on the factors of self-efficacy and goals.