Linda Miller

The Development of Occupational Sex-Role Stereotypes, Occupational Preferences and Academic Subject Preferences in Children at Ages 8, 12 and 16.

Abstract This paper reports data from a questionnaire‐based UK study aimed at examining occupational sex‐role stereotypes and occupational preferences of male and female pupils at three ages. Data were collected from 594 children in total (108 8‐year‐olds, 307 12‐year‐olds and 177 16‐year‐olds) who responded to questions that asked for their views on who (males, females or both) should perform certain occupations and how much they would like to have each of the occupations as their career. The children were also asked to indicate their favourite school subject. Analysis indicated that the youngest age group held significantly more stereotyped views regarding who should perform certain jobs than the older children and that, generally, boys sex‐typed appropriateness of occupations to a significantly greater degree than girls, although this difference was not significant in the youngest age group. Furthermore, analysis of the occupational preference ratings revealed significant differences between male and f...

On decreasing gender differences and attitudinal changes: factors influencing Australian and English pupils' choice of a career in science

Encouraging the entry of women into science-related careers remains problematic in the UK and Australia. Although recent initiatives have resulted in increased participation of girls in science-related subjects in schools, there remains a significant gender divide in entry to scientific programmes of study at post-compulsory and university levels. In this study, datasets for 13-year-old pupils in Australia and England taken from the Third International Maths and Science Survey (TIMSS) were used to derive path models that identify factors influencing the extent to which science-related careers were viewed as desirable by Australian and English pupils. Results indicated that, in both countries, attitudes to science were the strongest factor influencing desire for a job in science. While gender was not found to impact on attitudes, the teaching approach adopted influenced the development of pupil attitudes towards science.

Quiet enjoyment in the National Parks of England and Wales: public understanding of the term and its influence on attitudes towards recreational activities

In response to concerns raised since the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 established the National Parks, the National Parks Review Panel (1991) recommended that the term ‘quiet enjoyment’ be included in the Environment Bill to clarify the wording of the second purpose for National Parks. During parliamentary debate the term was removed, and some have subsequently claimed that this weakened the Environment Act 1995. This article describes the outcomes of a survey to establish the nature of public understanding of the terms ‘quiet enjoyment’ and ‘quiet recreation’ and to identify the nature of incidents perceived as interfering with ‘quiet enjoyment’ and ‘quiet recreation’. The results indicate that the terms ‘quiet enjoyment’ and ‘quiet recreation’ hold different meanings for the public, with ‘quiet enjoyment’ being a broader and more emotive concept than ‘quiet recreation’. However, despite differences in meaning of the two terms, similar factors were reported as interfering with bot...

Saying “welcome” is not enough: women, information systems and equity in work

The rise of all forms of information systems has been one of the major factors affecting the nature of work over the last decade. This article reports on research that suggests that whilst females may now gain more experience of computers and information systems at an earlier age, this does not appear to lead to more favourable evaluations of jobs involving computers. If women overcome initial negative perceptions of jobs involving computers then the particular style, manner, skills or approach that are seen as prerequisite for success, can constitute an additional barrier over and above that of the “glass ceiling”. The study looked at factors influencing initial attitudes towards computers, female attitudes to jobs involving computers and factors influencing self‐selection into gender‐typical and atypical jobs, including IT‐based jobs. The article considers the actions required from managers in many roles, including those with responsibility for staff development, marketing and recruitment.

Do women want 'new men'? Cultural influences on sex-role stereotypes

Traditional cultures are associated with more strongly conserved sex-role stereotypes. Members of the Asian and Caucasian populations in Britain were sampled as representing traditional and liberal cultures, respectively. In two studies participants rated how characteristic and desirable they believed masculine and feminine traits to be in their own and in the opposite sex. While Asian respondents believed sex-appropriate traits were more characteristic of themselves and the opposite sex, and rated these as more desirable in their own sex than did Caucasians, both groups believed sex-typed traits to be equally desirable in the opposite sex. While masculinity was thought desirable in females, femininity in males was strongly disliked by all females, indicating that a more behavioural latitude exists for females. Results are discussed in the context of the evolution of sex-role stereotypes.

Play as a route to literacy

There is a ready acceptance amongst educators that play has an important role to play in learning, particularly in the early years. Yet, as Linda Miller shows, the role of play in literacy learning is under-developed and she offers some suggested ways forward in this area.

Health promotion competence in nurses and occupational therapists

Abstract This paper describes research commissioned by NHS Executive to assess the utility of occupational standards as benchmarks to gauge the effectiveness of pre-registration clinical training in health promotion. Graduates and diplomates from two pre-clinical programmes (a BSc in Occupational Therapy and a Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing Studies) assessed themselves against occupational standards for health promotion. Data indicated areas of strength, but also some gaps, in both knowledge and experience gained prior to entering the workforce and indicated that the standards could be helpful in informing the development of curricula to meet changing needs. The data revealed that, while there were difficulties in understanding some sections of the occupational standards, participants in general felt that they would be useful as indicators of what should be achieved in pre-registration education and training.

The development of occupational standards in the practice of diagnostic ultrasound: Part 1, background

Abstract This, the first of two papers considers the development of occupational standards in the practice of diagnostic ultrasound, giving an overview of the background to the project which was commissioned by the NHS Executive South and West and the College of Radiographers. The paper provides a review of the literature related to occupational standards with key themes, such as the role of professional bodies in monitoring practice and practitioners and the derivation and definition of occupational standards. Other models and projects which have developed methods of standards design in areas of radiography and diagnostic ultrasound (such as the development of competency based standards for medical radiation science professions) are also considered. The paper concludes with a reflection on the need for continual evaluation of occupational standards and their use in practice.

Teaching and Learning about Play, Language, and Literacy with Preschool Educators in Malaysia.

ResumenEste artículo discute los desarrollos de lenguaje y alfabetización relacionados con las nuevas instrucciones para preescolar en Malasia, resaltando el juego como un vehículo importante para un aprendizaje temprano. Los desarrollos se comparan y contrastan con los ocurridos en el Reino Unido y se reconoce la entrega de los educadores de preescolar en ambos países.RésuméCet article décrit la visite par l’auteur en novembre 1998 à Kota Kinabalu, région de Sabah, Malaysie de l’Est, où elle a dirigé un cours intitulé ‘Le role du jeu dans l’apprentissage de la langue et de l’alphabétisation’ pour un groupe de puéricultrices. Elle établit des comparaisons entre la formation, les années en maternelle, les dispositions prises quant à l’éducation, et les structures, en attirant l’attention aux similarités et différences entre l’éducation en Angleterre et en Malaysie. Elle en conclut que les deux gouvernements ont des vues divergentes sur le curriculum préscolaire.

Health promotion competence in nurses and occupational therapists: Part 2: Using occupational standards to identify training and development needs

Abstract This is the second of two articles, describing a study trialling the use of occupational standards in health promotion. Use of the occupational standards to identify training and development needs in health promotion and to assess current extent of post-registration training and development provision for nurses and occupational therapists is described. While there was reasonable agreement between recently qualified practitioners and employers regarding the need for additional training provision in health promotion, longer serving practitioners did not perceive a need for further provision in this area. The utility of occupational standards to support continuing professional development is evaluated.