8
Females reported a much higher incidence of ever having been married (47% versus 42% for males). These findings
are expected, given the general tendency for females to marry at slightly younger ages. Interestingly, females were
also much more likely to have acquired a 4-year college degree (40% versus 31%).
(Insert Table 3 about here)
Males and females differed in regard to their peer relationships, as well. Females reported having more
friends who valued more positively-oriented activities (e.g., getting good grades), as compared to males. Males, as
compared to females, reported having more friends who valued more negatively-oriented activities (e.g., drinking,
using drugs). Females also reported having more friends who aspired to complete a college degree. Hence, it would
appear that the potential for differences in peer-related effects between the sexes is substantial. Aside from the peer
differences, it is also worth noting that females espoused a significantly higher set of life expectations than did males
(4.51 versus 4.39). Finally, about 13% of the sample was Hispanic (both male and female), with 11% of the female
sample and 8% of the male sample being Black.
In order to ascertain how these family and individual differences may affect the choice of occupational path,
Table 4 presents the logistic regression coefficients for models of occupational attainment for each sex. The models
presented describe these effects in regard to the likelihood of having selected either a service/semi-skilled or
professional job. The models are also separated in terms of presenting first the family characteristics alone (model
1), and then the combined or full model of effects (model 2). The models are all quite robust, and provide
explanatory strength ranging from 5% to 25% (as assessed via the Nagelkerke values).
(Insert Table 4 about here)
Among females, the acquisition of a service/semi-skilled job is shown to be significantly affected by several
family characteristics (model 1). As shown, higher levels of parental educational attainment is associated with a
lower likelihood of selecting a service or semi-skilled job (b = -.16). A clear same-sex effect is present within this
model, as mothers’ professional job status appears to lower the likelihood that daughters will select a service or
semi-skilled position. Finally, parents’ desire that their child attend college seems to suppress the chance that their
daughters will select a service or semi-skilled job (b = -.49). Overall, it would appear that parental/family
characteristics do have a salient impact upon daughters’ selection of occupation, specifically as it pertains to the
Convention