Research Proposal

Attitude of Female Students Towards the Idea of Choosing a

Profession: A case study of Sargodha University

Submitted To: Syed Imran Abbass

Submitted By: Sania Farooq
ROLL NO: POLS51F20R024

Session: 2020-24

DPIR University of Sargodha

Introduction:

The choice of profession is a pivotal decision in an individual's life, influencing their future
trajectory and personal fulfillment. Despite strides in gender equality, certain professions still
exhibit gender imbalances, often influenced by societal norms and perceptions. This research
aims to investigate the attitudes of female students at University of Sargodha towards the idea of
selecting a profession, examining the factors that shape their decisions and aspirations.

Hypothesis:

Societal norms, family influences, institutional support, and personal interests significantly shape the
attitudes of female students towards career selection.

Independent variable: Societal norms, Family influences, Institutional support, Personal interests
Dependent variable: Attitudes towards career selection.

Methodology:

My research utilizes a mixed-methods approach encompassing qualitative interviews, quantitative

surveys, and document analysis to comprehensively investigate the attitudes of female students towards
career selection at Sargodha University. Firstly, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a
purposive sample of female students from diverse academic backgrounds, years of study, and socio-
cultural contexts. These interviews will allow for in-depth exploration of participants' attitudes,
experiences, and perceptions regarding career selection, providing rich qualitative data on the factors
influencing their career aspirations. Secondly, I will do a quantitative survey which will be administered
to a larger sample of female students to gather numerical data on career preferences, influences, and
perceived barriers. The survey instrument will be designed based on the insights gained from the
qualitative phase and I will employ Likert-scale and multiple-choice questions to facilitate statistical
analysis. Lastly, I will do a document analysis will involve reviewing relevant university policies, career
guidance materials, and statistical reports to contextualize the findings and triangulate the data obtained
from interviews and surveys. Furthermore the Thematic analysis will be employed to analyze qualitative
data from interviews, identifying recurring themes, patterns, and variations in participants' responses.
Quantitative data from surveys will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to uncover
correlations and trends among variables. I believe that by employing a mixed-methods approach, this
research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the attitudes of female students towards
career selection, thereby informing policy interventions and educational initiatives aimed at promoting
gender diversity and empowerment within University of Sargodha.

Significance of the Research:

This research holds significant implications for promoting gender equality and empowerment within the
University of Sargodha and beyond. By investigating the attitudes of female students towards career
selection, the study aims to uncover the underlying factors shaping their aspirations and decisions.
Through a comprehensive analysis of societal norms, family influences, institutional support, and
personal interests, the research provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of gender and career
development. By understanding the challenges and barriers faced by female students, policymakers,
educators, and stakeholders can implement targeted interventions to provide support, resources, and
opportunities that empower female students to pursue diverse career paths. Ultimately, by fostering
inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and promoting positive role models, this research contributes to
creating a more equitable and supportive environment for female students to thrive in their academic and
professional pursuits, thereby advancing the goal of gender equality in higher education and society as a
whole.

Objectives of the Research:

- To explore the attitudes of female students towards the concept of selecting a profession.

- To identify the factors influencing female students' career aspirations.

- To examine the role of societal norms, family expectations, and institutional support in shaping career
choices among female students.

- To suggest strategies for promoting gender diversity and empowerment in professional spheres based
on the findings.

Research questions:

1. How do societal norms influence the attitudes of female students at Sargodha University towards the
selection of a profession?

2. What are the primary factors within family influences that shape the career aspirations of female
students?

3. What role does institutional support, such as career guidance services and mentorship programs, play in
empowering female students to make informed career choices?

4. How do personal interests and aptitudes impact the career preferences and attitudes of female students
towards profession selection?

5. To what extent do socio-cultural factors contribute to disparities in career aspirations among female
students from diverse backgrounds?

6. What are the perceived barriers and challenges faced by female students in pursuing non-traditional or
male-dominated professions?

7. How do female students perceive the existing gender dynamics within their academic disciplines and
future career prospects?

8. What strategies and support mechanisms do female students identify as crucial for fostering gender
diversity and inclusivity in professional spheres?
These research questions aim to delve into the multifaceted aspects of the attitudes of female students
towards career selection, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing their
perceptions, aspirations, and decisions.

Literature Review:

I have reviewed some literature work to base my topic on with some key points within the
literature. It is to be noted that my literature review will be extensive for my research report so it
might not just encompass the following but more.

1: "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott This classic novel follows the lives of the four March sisters as
they navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood, each with her own aspirations and attitudes
towards their future professions.

"I want to do something splendid... something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I
don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday." - Jo's aspirations and
desire to make a mark on the world reflect her ambition and determination.

2: "Educated" by Tara Westover is a powerful memoir filled with poignant and thought-provoking lines
that reflect the author's journey of self-discovery and education.

"You can love someone and still choose to say goodbye to them," - This line encapsulates Westover's
struggle with familial loyalty and the difficult choices she had to make in order to pursue her own path.

“It's strange how you give the people you love so much power over you." - Westover reflects on the
complex dynamics of family relationships and the impact they have on one's sense of identity and self-
worth.

3: The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know" by Katty
Kay and Claire Shipman: This book delves into the concept of confidence and its impact on women's
careers. Kay and Shipman draw on research and interviews with successful women to explore why
women often lack confidence compared to men and how they can develop greater self-assurance in their
professional lives.

Confidence is a choice, a mindset, a skill we can develop." - Kay and Shipman emphasize that confidence
is not innate but something that can be cultivated through practice and mindset shifts, empowering
women to take control of their self-assurance.

4: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" by Sheryl Sandberg: In this influential book, Sheryl
Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, explores the barriers that hold women back in the workplace and offers
advice on how women can achieve their career goals. Sandberg encourages women to "lean in" to their
careers, advocating for more women in leadership roles and challenging societal norms that hinder
women's progress in the workplace.

"The blunt truth is that men still run the world. This means that when it comes to making the decisions
that most affect our world, women's voices are not heard equally." - This line underscores one of the
central themes of the book, highlighting the gender disparities in leadership roles and decision-making
positions.

"We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands,
and by pulling back when we should be leaning in." - Sandberg addresses the internal barriers that hold
women back in their careers, urging them to embrace opportunities and assert themselves more boldly.

5: "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan: Published in 1963, this groundbreaking book is often
credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States. Friedan's work explores the
discontent and frustrations experienced by many American housewives in the 1950s and 1960s, who felt
unfulfilled by their traditional roles as homemakers. Friedan argues for women's right to pursue education
and careers outside the home, challenging societal expectations and advocating for greater opportunities
for women in the workforce.

The problem lay buried, unspoken, for many years in the minds of American women. It was a strange
stirring, a sense of dissatisfaction, a yearning that women suffered in the middle of the twentieth century
in the United States. Each suburban wife struggled with it alone." - This passage further emphasizes the
central thesis of the book: that despite the appearance of contentment and domestic bliss, many women
felt a profound sense of discontent and yearning for something more.

Breaking Barriers: Female Students Pursuing STEM Careers: This blog post could explore the challenges
and triumphs of female students entering fields traditionally dominated by men, such as science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It could discuss the importance of encouraging young
women to pursue these careers and the initiatives in place to support them.

Exploring Passion vs. Practicality: How Female Students Navigate Career Choices: This post could delve
into the internal conflicts that female students may face when choosing a profession, balancing their
passions and interests with practical considerations such as job stability and financial security. It could
feature personal stories and interviews with students grappling with these decisions.

The Impact of Role Models: Female Students' Perceptions of Women in Leadership: This blog post could
examine the influence of female role models on the career aspirations of young women. It could explore
the importance of representation in leadership positions and highlight successful women in various
industries who serve as inspiration for female students.

Overcoming Stereotypes: Female Students Redefining Gender Norms in the Workplace: This post could
discuss the stereotypes and biases that female students encounter as they prepare to enter the workforce. It
could address efforts to challenge these stereotypes and empower young women to pursue their career
goals without limitations based on gender expectations.

Support Systems and Mentorship: How Female Students Thrive in Career Development Programs: This
blog post could focus on the role of support systems and mentorship programs in helping female students
navigate their career paths. It could highlight the benefits of mentorship in providing guidance,
networking opportunities, and encouragement for young women as they enter the professional world.
References

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Educated by Tara Westover
The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know" by Katty
Kay and Claire Shipman
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" by Sheryl Sandberg
The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan
Breaking Barriers: Female Students Pursuing STEM Careers
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000375106
Career Path Choice: Passion or Practicality? https://thespellbinder.net/3271/features/career-path-choice-
passion-or-practicality/
The Impact of Role Models: Female Students' Perceptions of Women in Leadership: Am I A Leader?
Female Students Leadership Identity Development https://journalofleadershiped.org/jole_articles/am-i-a-
leader-female-students-leadership-identity-development/
Gender Stereotypes and Their Impact on Women’s Career Progressions from a Managerial Perspective
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2277975220975513
The significance of mentorship in supporting the career advancement of women in the public sector
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844021014249