Sex Differentiation in Two High School Environments: Implications for Career Development Among Black Adolescent Females
Chester N.L.
1983
Journal of Social Issues
12
10.1111/j.1540-4560.1983.tb00153.x
This study, based on a secondary analysis of data, involved the comparison of 127 black males and females on career?related variables at two high schools, one a predominantly white liberal arts high school and the other a racially more integrated vocational high school. Based on a review of literature regarding institutional and racial differences in attitudes towards career development in women, it was hypothesized that more sex differences would exist among the black students at the liberal arts school than at the vocational school, and that these differences would favor the males. The hypotheses were confirmed. While females attending the liberal arts high school had lower aspirations, less vocationally relevant self?concepts, and lower self esteem than their male counterparts, they were also less likely to perceive events as the result of either internal forces or of external forces. It was concluded that black females may experience environments differently than do black males, due to the combined and independent effects of racism and sexism. Clearly studies involving the effects of different settings on minority group behavior should examine relationships separately by gender. 1983 The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues
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