Milagros Sáinz

Gender differences in computer attitudes and the choice of technology-related occupations in a sample of secondary students in Spain

The dearth of women in technology and ICT-related fields continues to be a topic of interest for both the scientific community and decision-makers. Research on attitudes towards computers proves that women display more negative computer attitudes than men and also make less intense use of technology and computers than their male counterparts. For this reason, the main aims of this study are threefold. Firstly, to analyze the existence of gender differences in three dimensions of computer attitudes in a group of 550 secondary students in Spain (mean of age=15years old; SD=1.73). Secondly, to study the moderating influence of a group of contextual variables on those gender differences in computer attitudes. And thirdly, to examine the predictive role of computer attitudes on the intention to pursue technology-related occupations. Some of the analyses of variance carried out show more positive computer attitudes in boys than in girls. These differences are more salient among students coming from rural areas and the upper social class, who are also enrolled in the domain of technology in secondary education, and whose mothers have no occupation outside the home. Finally, simple logistic regressions were carried out in order to prove that all dimensions of computer attitudes predict the enrollment intentions to pursue technology-related occupations. Nonetheless, gender only moderates the relationship between the cognitive dimension of computer attitudes and the enrollment intentions to pursue technology-related occupations.

Gender and family influences on Spanish students’ aspirations and values in stem fields

ABSTRACT Drawing on expectancy-value theory, this study examines gender and family influences on students’ career aspirations and attached values. 796 secondary Spanish students (M age = 16 years old, S.D. = 0.81) participated. 53% were boys. The results show that boys and students with mothers who have completed intermediate level education were more interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) architecture and technology. Girls and students with highly educated mothers born in Spain were more likely to aspire to STEM health and experimental studies. Furthermore, boys and students planning to pursue STEM-technology studies attached higher extrinsic values to these studies. On the contrary, girls and participants with interest in experimental and health studies attached less extrinsic values to these studies. Moreover, students with highly educated mothers and interested in STEM architecture and technology reported higher extrinsic values. Understanding the interaction of gender and family factors shaping adolescents’ career aspirations in STEM fields seems to be crucial to designing significant and effective school and family grounded interventions.

Gendered Motivations to Pursue Male-Dominated STEM Careers Among Spanish Young People: A Qualitative Study

The present study examined gender differences in the motivations leading young people to pursue highly male-dominated Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) degrees and careers. Seventeen young people, either enrolled in university studies or working in the private STEM sector, were interviewed. Drawing on the factors influencing teaching–choice theory, the results suggest certain similarities and differences between male and female participants. Male participants’ intrinsic values associated the decision to follow STEM studies with specific objects that had attracted them since childhood, while women’s interests revolved around the techniques and processes associated with their specific STEM field. Whereas women emphasized the extent to which their career decisions were based on teachers’ encouragement, men emphasized the role of family tradition and mass media. Social utility values associated with the STEM field were important for women, whereas men stressed attainment of personal values. There were no gender differences in the task return–related values associated with choosing an STEM career.