Gender Stereotypes and Professional Aspirations, Interests and Choices: A Systematic Review

This systematic literature review, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024521082), examines the relationship between gender stereotypes and professional aspirations, interests and choices, identifying mediating variables. The review was conducted in three relevant databases in the field of social psychology (Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO) from January 2002 (the year of theorisation of the Stereotype Content Model [Fiske et al. 2002]) to January 2024. We included quantitative empirical studies conducted on adult populations and published in peer-reviewed journals. A total of 30 studies were finally retained for the systematic analysis, after being assessed according to the guidelines of the quality assessment tool developed by Kmet (2004). In general, the included studies provide evidence of a significant association between gender stereotypes and career-related variables. Many different mediating variables emerged, such as career self-efficacy, life goals, performance-related self-esteem, anticipated work-related success, individuals' sense of belonging to a specific occupational field, negative emotions and lifelong learning experiences. The present review presents both theoretical and practical implications. First, it offers a comprehensive overview of the relationship between gender stereotypes and the professional domain, with patterns that appear particularly salient among women. Second, the results suggest that interventions aimed at promoting gender equality and deconstructing gender stereotypes could benefit both women and men, leading to more flexible and free career choices and increased opportunities for self-fulfilment and well-being in the workplace. To maximise the effectiveness of interventions, these could specifically target the mediating factors identified in the literature.