Gender and parental aspirations

Abstract

This ethnographic research examines the under-achievement of girls in certain academic domains which is believed to be linked to the aspirations parents hold for their daughters. The aim was to explore if parents held different expectations for their offspring, with regard to schooling, according to the latter's gender. Sixty, fifteen-year-old females, who had brothers within the same age group were selected and interviewed. The sample was chosen from a Junior Lyceum and a Church School situated in the Southern region of the Maltese islands. The analysis shows that parents tend to have gender stereotypical views as to what their daughter is capable of achieving, and is allowed to aspire after. This was especially reflected in the choice of subjects and in career choice. However, issues which initially seemed to be indirectly related to academic aspirations, such as the pattern of the girl's lifestyle at home, ended up being of major importance. It is argued that parents play a major role in their daughter's gender socialization and are responsible for the way she perceives herself and her abilities. This directly influences both her schooling and her plans for future achievements.