| Research implicates stereotype threat as a deterrent to career choice for women in those fields generally perceived as male, such as the finance industry. However, some psychosocial predictor variables tend to offset or minimize stereotype threat's effect on women, including nontraditional gender role beliefs and reduced identity with female constructed social norms. The purpose of this two-phase, convergent mixed methods research study was to explore the relationship between stereotype threat, gender role identity, subjective stress associated with being female, and choice to pursue a career in the finance industry. Stereotype threat is understood to be the internalized concern that one may be acting in ways that confirm a stereotype held by others. Validated survey instruments were administered online to women in MBA programs for the purpose of acquiring data on psychosocial predictor variables and demographic information. Semistructured interviews were conducted to gain deeper insights into the lived experience of those women who express a desire to pursue a career in finance and those who do not. |
