Exploring Gender Role Attitudes and Career Aspirations among Pakistani Adolescents

Abstract

Internationally, gender roles have undergone significant changes, shifting toward greater egalitarianism due to widespread movements advocating for gender equality in developed nations. This study delved into understanding gender role attitudes and career aspirations among Pakistani adolescents, leveraging a sample of 150 students aged 18 to 20 (average age 19 years) recruited from educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Employing measures like the Sex-Role Egalitarianism Scale (SRES), General Health Questionnaire, Occupational Aspirations Scale (OAS), and Sex Role Attitude Scale (SRAS), data was collected through online questionnaires via Qualtrics. Analysis encompassed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and moderation analysis, aiming to explore gender differences in occupational preferences and attitudes toward gender roles. Results unveiled distinct preferences with girls inclined towards traditionally female-associated careers and boys leaning towards male-associated occupations. Findings challenged initial assumptions about gender role attitudes, revealing more progressive views among girls compared to boys. The study underscores the importance of guiding adolescents in career planning, noting the influence of societal norms and evolving perceptions on vocational aspirations. The study’s limitations highlight the necessity for further research to refine existing frameworks and promote gender equality in career development.