Question

Summary of the artical breaking barriers by Joan Runnheim Olson

Answer 1

career choices are stereotypically gender biased. Right from the childhood the girls and boys are raised differently to make choices. these differences lead them to make career choices based on gender and not their actual interest or capability. In his article, Joan Runnheim Olson states that the educators and counsellors need to reconsider their beliefs with respect to the career choices that they offer to the prospects while decision-making process.

While the women are often offered delicate jobs the men are expected to do all the mechanical work. It generates an uncomfortable feeling if a man wants to become a nurse or if a woman wants to be a carpenter since it is very much opposed to the traditional career paths for each gender. When Olson applied for a 2-year course of becoming a surgical technologist after losing his job, he was mostly surrounded by only the females which was totally in contrast to his previous job of being an airline technician.

Olson mentions that the upbringing, schooling and the media play a very important role in establishing the great gender divide which establishes specific roles on basis of gender. However, if the career choices are to be made on the basis of one's aptitude, this stereotyped gender divide should be overcome.