Career choices and gender dynamics: Exploring factors associated with the decision to study feminized careers in Chile

Fernández-Darraz M.C.; Briceño-Olivera C.A.; Galván-Cabello M.F.; Castillo-Blanco R. · Desde el Sur (2025) · DOI: 10.21142/des-1703-2025-0064

Resumen

In recent years, Chile has increased women’s access to higher education, particularly in education and health programs traditionally linked to gender roles. This study examines the career choices of 672 secondary students, assessing internal factors (ambivalent sexism, self-efficacy, and educational motivation) using a multigroup structural equation model and enrollment data from the Ministry of Education. Model reliability was confirmed with CFI, TLI, SRMR, and RMSEA. Results reveal gender differences: ambivalent sexism shapes male students’ decisions, whereas self-efficacy influences those of female students. These findings underscore the need to strengthen career guidance by enhancing women’s self-efficacy and reducing male stereotypes to diversify professional aspirations.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur