Professional identification: A study of female students at a medical college in India

Abstract

This paper explores female medical students' identification with their profession at a medical college in India by comparing it with that of male students. The professional identification is conceptualized as having three elements: career commitment, career-satisfaction and professional self-image, each elicited by a single question. Compared to males, females were found to perceive medicine as more satisfying, and yet they were less sure than males of pursuing a medical career throughout their lives. The female students' commitment to their career was basically conditional, whereas for the males, it was primarily categorical. Additionally, females expressed less professional ambition than males and preferred different specialties. The main thrust of this paper is that the professional identification of both males and females is qualitatively different. The reasons for these differences are sought in sex-role socialization, cultural norms and informal social pressures at home and at the college.