Gendered Differences In College Education

Gendered differences in major choice are linked to variances in “occupational preferences and aspiration, expected labor market commitment, ad gendered labor market opportunities” (Mullen, 2014). A college education has different meaning for students. Some views it as a way to prepare for a career, on the other hand, others uses it to broaden their learning objectives. In the following discussion, there will be an expansion on the variances between gendered differences in major choices; how other factors such as race, class, and location affect their decisions; and lastly a personal account on my major choice. Women primarily chose majors based on their gratification of the field with minimum thought to future career goals because they were …show more content…
According to Mullen, 82 percent of the student from selective public universities responded that the most important reason for attending college was to obtain training for specific careers, compare to the most selective college 52 percent (Mullen, 2014). Students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds attend liberal institutions to gain experience that would aid to their self-development, perhaps due to their sheltered life and limited exposure outside of their socioeconomic class. This experience will enable them to socialize in social events, classroom and other activities with a diverse background. Although affluent students may enhance their intellectual maturity, students of lower socioeconomic class view their experiences and major choice completely on their interest of study and potential occupations. Men and women of lower socioeconomics hope to obtain financial freedom which they lacked in their childhood through gaining education and breaking the cycle in their families, especially for first-generation graduates in higher