Sex-related differences in the aspirations of high school students

The factors affecting the educational and occupational aspirations of male and female high school students are compared. The main difference seems to be the role of perceived opportunities in mediating antecedent effects on aspirations. Males' perceptions of what they can and are expected to attain are strongly influenced by their academic ability and achievement, while females' perceptions are influenced mainly by their social origins. Academic achievement has a crucial positive effect on the aspirations of both groups. While its effect on boys' aspirations is more pronounced, the process of schooling tends also to increase the confidence of able and high performing girls and motivate them toward high career attainment.