Final Project: Gender And Work: My Life Story

FINAL PROJECT: GENDER AND WORK: MY LIFE STORY

FINAL PROJECT: GENDER AND WORK: MY LIFE STORY Students Name Course Number University 5/25/15 Final Project: Gender and Work: My Life Story I am a registered nurse. I have been a registered nurse for two years and I’m actively pursuing my bachelor’s degree in nursing. I already obtained my associates degree in nursing through Kaplan University. Before I got into professional nursing I was a young adult who wasn’t sure about what career path I wanted to follow. Shortly after completing and graduating from high school, I faced a crossroads with multiple options available to me. I could join the Army and become a soldier, pursue criminal justice and become a prosecutor like I initially wanted, become a professional nurse, or enter law enforcement. Each choice represented a distinct career path with its own opportunities and challenges.

Initially, I chose to become a soldier, but I quickly realized it was not the right fit for me, and it took me a year to leave the armed forces. After departing from military service, I worked various side jobs to pay the bills. However, I became tired of being in dead-end jobs with colleagues I didn’t relate to, which motivated me to pursue a more meaningful career. This led me to enroll in nursing school and invest in my education to become a professional nurse.

As a female in the nursing profession—a field predominantly occupied by women—I believe my gender has played a positive role in my career development. Although men are present in nursing, they constitute a smaller proportion, and the profession is largely female-dominated. I do not believe my gender has been a hindrance; rather, it has helped shape me into a committed and compassionate healthcare professional. In fact, being female encouraged me to work harder, especially because societies often have gendered expectations and stereotypes that influence career choices and perceptions.

Reflecting on societal stereotypes, I recognize that traditional gender roles have historically influenced career paths: men are often expected to be providers and work with their hands in physically demanding jobs like construction or manufacturing, while women are seen as nurturers, caregivers, and involved in caregiving professions such as nursing and teaching. These stereotypes are rooted in historical social norms, which have historically dictated that men should embody strength, independence, and work ethic tied to physical labor and economic provision, whereas women are expected to be caring, nurturing, and domestic.

Despite these traditional roles, I feel content and confident in my career choice. My experiences have shown that societal expectations are evolving, and women, including myself, can excel in diverse fields, including those traditionally viewed as male domains. It is noteworthy that social perceptions about gender and work have started to shift significantly since the 1960s and 1970s, thanks to feminist movements, increased educational opportunities, and changing cultural attitudes. Today, women are more represented in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and business, challenging long-standing stereotypes.

In educational contexts, there has historically been gendered segregation: men have been more likely to study engineering, sciences, and business, while women have pursued home economics, nursing, and elementary education. According to data, these patterns reflected societal programming and reinforced gender roles, shaping career trajectories from an early age. Research by Murphy (1987) and others indicated that gendered educational segregation contributed to occupational stratification, influencing subsequent career opportunities and earnings (Murphy, 1987).

From a personal perspective, I believe that societal programming and expectations played a role in guiding my career choice toward nursing. Ever since I was young, I have exhibited caring and nurturing qualities, which aligned with societal stereotypes about femininity. These characteristics contributed to my decision to pursue a career that involves compassion and service. However, I also recognize that my choices are now shaped by my own agency and aspirations, rather than solely by gendered expectations.

As of 2015, much progress has been made in gender equality, yet subtle stereotypes still persist. Advancements in education and workforce participation have opened opportunities for women and men alike, but traditional gender norms continue to influence perceptions and behaviors. According to the Pew Research Center (2013), women's participation in higher education and professional fields has increased significantly since the 1980s, leading to greater gender parity in many occupations. Nonetheless, disparities remain in certain sectors, and stereotypes about gender-appropriate roles persist.

In conclusion, my personal experience exemplifies how gender influences career choices and perceptions but also highlights the importance of individual agency in overcoming stereotypes. My journey from uncertainty to professional confidence demonstrates that societal norms are evolving, and both women and men can pursue diverse, fulfilling careers. The ongoing challenge lies in dismantling lingering stereotypes and fostering a culture that values individuals based on their skills and passions rather than gender-based expectations.

Paper For Above instruction

Gender plays a profound role in shaping career trajectories, societal expectations, and individual experiences. In my personal life, my journey from a hesitant young adult to a dedicated nurse exemplifies how gender influences career decisions and perceptions. As a woman in nursing—a female-dominated profession—my gender has served more as an asset than a barrier. This aligns with historical and contemporary trends indicating that women often gravitate toward nurturing professions such as nursing, education, and social work (Blair-Loy, 2003).

My decision to pursue nursing was influenced by a combination of personal traits and societal influences. From a young age, I exhibited caring, gentle qualities, traits stereotypically associated with femininity. Society’s traditional labeling of women as nurturers and caregivers reinforced these tendencies, channeling me toward professions like nursing. Such gendered socialization is documented in research literature, where early childhood experiences and societal messaging shape occupational aspirations (Eccles et al., 1990). Consequently, my gender facilitated my entry into a profession aligned with societal expectations of femininity and caregiving.

Considering the broader societal context, historical gender roles have dictated occupational segregation. The 20th-century labor market saw women predominantly in domestic and caregiving roles, while men occupied positions requiring physical strength or technical expertise. For instance, data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveal that, historically, men dominated fields like engineering, business, and law, whereas women were more prevalent in education, nursing, and home economics (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). These occupational patterns often stemmed from societal programming, which reinforced gender stereotypes and influenced educational choices from a young age (Murphy, 1987).

Despite significant advances, remnants of traditional gender roles continue to influence perceptions. Educational segregation persists to some degree, with men less likely to pursue careers in nursing and teaching, and women less represented in engineering and technical fields (Blair-Loy, 2003). However, the overall trend has moved toward greater gender parity, driven by expanded access to higher education and shifting cultural attitudes. Data from Pew Research Center (2013) highlights that women now comprise nearly half of college students and are increasingly entering STEM fields, challenging previous stereotypes.

My personal experience reflects this societal transition. Although societal stereotypes initially directed me toward nurturing careers, such as nursing, I now recognize that these choices are influenced by both societal programming and personal interest. As a female, I believe that society’s expectations have sometimes subtly steered women toward caregiving roles, but individual agency remains paramount. Today’s cultural climate emphasizes merit and passion over prescribed gender roles, empowering women to pursue diverse careers (Institute for Women’s Policy Research, 2014).

In the context of the workforce, gender continues to influence perceptions of competence and appropriate roles. For example, studies show that women often face stereotypes about their abilities in leadership and technical roles, while men may encounter stereotypes about emotional expression and caregiving (Eagly & Karau, 2002). Nevertheless, growing awareness and policies promote workplace equality, fostering environments where individuals are judged by their skills rather than gendered expectations.

In conclusion, my journey from uncertainty to a fulfilling nursing career underscores how societal norms and stereotypes shape occupational trajectories. While traditional gender roles have historically influenced career options, ongoing societal changes continue to promote gender equality and broaden opportunities. Recognizing these dynamics is essential for fostering inclusive workforce environments and encouraging individuals to pursue careers aligned with their interests and talents, free from gender-based limitations.

References

• Blair-Loy, M. (2003). Competing Devotions: Career and Family among Women Executives. Harvard University Press.
• Eagly, A. H., & Karau, S. J. (2002). Role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders. Psychological Review, 109(3), 573–598.
• Eccles, J. S., Brown, L., & Dietz, E. (1990). The development of women's occupational interests. American Psychologist, 45(8), 817–823.
• Institute for Women’s Policy Research. (2014). Women’s Educational Attainment and Workplace Participation. IWPR Reports.
• Murphy, K. M. (1987). Occupational gender segregation and labor market discrimination. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 1(2), 173-184.
• Pew Research Center. (2013). The Decline of the Male-Dominated Workforce. Pew Research Reports.
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2010). Women in the Workforce: Occupational Trends. Census Bureau Reports.