Career Aspirations of Women in the 20th Century

Women have increasingly become more involved in the workforce following World War II. Paid employment of women has shifted from primarily traditional female-oriented jobs to more non-traditional, and previously male-oriented careers. Women's participation in the workforce has lead to the study of career aspirations of women. Career aspirations are influenced by factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, race, parents' occupation and education level, and parental expectations. This review of literature presents an overview of women's participation in the workforce and the progress of women's career development and career aspirations in the latter half of the 20th century.