Conceptualizing the Determinants of Academic Choice and Task Performance Across Social Groups

Abstract

Publisher Summary Even though we talk about non-existence of gender inequalities and racism in modern society, data and behavioral patterns indicate that academic and vocational choices are still made the basis of one's gender and racial group. This chapter illustrates why women still avoid majors and studies in mathematics or physical sciences and why African– or even European–Americans do not, in general, excel in academic pursuits. Existing models of understanding these determinants indicate that in most adolescent women, academic choices are guided by ability, agenetic characteristics as well as gender role attitudes. The chapter also elaborates on the four sources of influence that act on the task of making choices. Direct internal influences are also known to play a very crucial and direct role in making academic choices, and it has been reported that some differences do exist in task aptitude of men and women, and across racial groups. External influences, like instances of sexual harassment against women in organizations, also act as a contributing factor in many cases. A thorough understanding of this behavioral pattern, however, involves a comprehensive study of comparisons and interrelations among the influences.