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More than half of teens still consider mechanics to be men and nurses to be women. A poll of 1,000 13–17-year-olds found 72% feel some careers and job roles are only suitable to a certain gender, with key industries such as construction, childcare and beauty most associated with a specific gender.
The research reported that teenagers consider trade roles – such as being a bricklayer, plumber, and electrician – as ‘men roles’. Meanwhile, hairdressers, childminders and receptionists are most considered to be for women. Commissioned by housebuilding group, untypical, it found despite 47% viewing engineers as typically male, 12% of girls have considered it as a career. And 21% of girls have considered becoming a teacher, in comparison to 9% of boys.
Amelia Maydom, head of learning and development for untypical, which has created an online hub with real-life stories from people working across the construction industry, said: “Our findings show job roles remain heavily gendered, even though younger people claim they want to challenge these perceptions.
“In the construction industry and trades in general, we’re keen to spark conversation and highlight the range of roles available, encouraging people of all genders to consider them.
“We all have abilities that lend themselves to different jobs and industries, regardless of gender. It would be encouraging to see the younger generation help drive change, as there is still a long way to go.”
Parents were also polled, revealing 54% reckon there is more acceptance of any gender in any job today than when they were first applying for work.
They’d typically feel supportive (60%) and inspired (24%) if their child wanted to seek a career in an industry which is typically seen as being for the opposite gender.
Similarly, three quarters (76%) of teens believe their generation is much more accepting of breaking the norm when it comes to job roles.
Yet 41% of teenagers don’t believe enough is done in general to encourage all genders into all job roles.
Eight in 10 girls reckon they are just as capable, if not more so, of taking on jobs which are typically seen as being for the opposite gender, while 71% of boys feel the same.
But many youngsters have been put off pursuing a career due to being worried they wouldn’t fit in (24%) or knowing they’d be outnumbered by people of the opposite sex (16%).
Amelia Maydom added: “Decades ago, seeing female doctors or male carers was uncommon. While change has been gradual, there is still plenty of progress to be made.
“We hope in the near future, female bricklayers and male secretaries will be seen as the norm, and no one feels held back from following their ideal career.”
