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demonstrate that their respective experiences in the family context do lead to different outcomes.
The familial context effects on young adult outcomes was shown to be most salient in regard to both direct
and indirect parent effects. Parents’ own levels of educational attainment clearly present children with a strong role
model in regard to occupational attainment, a connection which seems especially true among sons. Within the
analyses, however, the more direct effect of parents’ aspirations for their children to obtain a college degree was
perhaps more meaningful. These effects were true across both types of occupational outcomes (either service/semi-
skilled or professional jobs), as well as within both male and female analyses. Some effects from the familial
context, though, provide support for the contention that same-sex parent-child linkages remain one of the primary
dimensions within which socialization takes place. The models herein clearly demonstrate that mothers’ impact on
occupational choice is stronger with daughters, while fathers will likewise have a greater impact on the job selection
made by sons. The choice of an occupation involves a very complicated path, and is subject to numerous influencing
agents, yet is it clear that the family context is a salient one for both females and males
American students’ success or failure in educational performance and attainment has always depended
heavily upon the assistance provided by parents (Baker and Stevenson, 1986). Through observation, supervision,
control, and assistance, parents play a major role in the education of their children (Haveman and Wolfe, 1994).
Within this study, the parents’ level of education was substantially associated with the occupational choice of both
daughters and sons. These effects, however, were strongest when considered separately from the individual
characteristics of young adult respondents. In the fuller consideration of the context within which occupational
choice takes place, it is also evident that the individual skills, talents, and abilities of each person represent the ‘best’
predictors of success within the labor force. Of course, this perspective must also be tempered by the recognition
that virtually all of the individual skills, talents, and abilities of each person have been nurtured and developed within
the familial context.
The findings of this study should not be taken as the ‘final word’ on gender differences in young adults’
status attainment. The past decade has seen tremendous change in regard to the relative educational participation
and graduation rates of females and males, with the notable change being that the majority of college graduates are
now women. This change will likely have resounding effects upon the labor force in the United States, and it is
Convention