A recent study by BT Group shows that gender stereotypes persist in shaping career preferences among 11-17-year-old children in the UK, with girls leaning towards traditional roles and boys more inclined towards tech careers. The research highlights disparities in encouragement and self-perception between genders, stressing the importance of supporting girls in tech and promoting gender equality in STEM fields.
A recent study by BT Group reveals that gender stereotypes continue to influence career choices among children aged 11-17 in the UK. The study found that girls predominantly aspired to roles such as nursing and fashion design, while boys leaned towards careers in video game design, software engineering, and sports.
According to the research, only about two-thirds of girls reported being encouraged to pursue tech careers by their families and teachers, in contrast to over three-quarters of boys. Additionally, 25% of boys felt “very well suited” for a tech career, compared to just 13% of girls.
The survey also highlighted that 26% of girls felt “not very well suited” for tech, compared to 14% of boys. Only 15% of girls desired a tech career, compared to 30% of boys. Furthermore, just 23% of girls believed there were no barriers for them in the tech industry, compared to 36% of boys.
Victoria Johnson, Social Impact Director at BT Group, emphasized the need for greater support for girls in tech, attributing the imbalance to persistent stereotypes and a lack of female role models in the industry.
The BT Group’s Work Ready program aims to address these issues by conducting events in schools across the UK, including cities such as Belfast, Birmingham, and London, in June and July. These programs are in response to the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 and are designed to bridge the digital skills gap.
Comparative data from 2000 and 2024 show a shift in career aspirations influenced by the rise of STEM education and the internet. While the preference for STEM careers has grown, it still remains more pronounced among boys than girls. The study also found a notable interest among both genders for social media-centric roles like influencer and social media manager.
The analysis underscores the ongoing challenge of encouraging more girls to pursue careers in technology and other STEM fields, indicating a need for continued efforts to change perceptions and provide equal opportunities.
