Impact of Gender Dominance of Occupations on Career Choice of Undergraduates: Evidence from a National University in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The current study aims to examine the effect of gender dominance of occupations on the career choice of undergraduates by taking a sample of 113 undergraduates from the University of Kelaniya who are studying in their third and fourth years in different faculties. Primary data were collected through an online survey, and the convenience sampling technique was used in selecting the sample. Moreover, the current study was conducted as a quantitative study following a hypothetico-deductive approach together with a cross-sectional survey design. The collected data were analyzed with the aid of SPSS statistical software. To interpret the analyzed data and to obtain the results, graphical charts, descriptive statistical techniques such as mean, mode, standard deviation, and also correlation coefficient, simple regression analysis, and residual analysis were used. Pearson correlation technique analysis was used to test the relationship between variables. Simple regression analysis was used to identify the degree of the impact of the independent variable on the dependent variable. Findings revealed that gender dominance of occupations is positively related to career choice as well as gender dominance of occupations significantly impacts career choice. Hence, it is concluded by proving that undergraduates still show a greater interest in choosing occupations where their own gender is represented to a greater extent. They stereotype occupations as feminine and masculine further. The present study would provide the direction to undergraduates, employees, organizations, HR policymakers, and prospective researchers.