An in-depth study of stereotyped views of secondary school counsellors and tutors on study profiles

Secondary school counsellors and tutors provide career guidance to students. They are therefore likely to influence students’ choices. For example, gendered career choices might be partly explained by gender stereotypical views of counsellors and tutors. Their views about the different school subjects have not been comprehensively studied. We explored these views in a qualitative study conducted in the Netherlands. Dutch students must select a ‘study profile’, a combination of school subjects, which they will follow in upper secondary education. Boys are overrepresented in the science-oriented profiles (science and technology; science and health)', girls are overrepresented in the society-oriented profiles (economy and society; culture and society). The research question is: What are the views of secondary school counsellors and tutors on the different study profiles, and to what extent do these views reveal gendered stereotypes? Interviews with 45 tutors and counsellors revealed that culture and society is viewed as ‘artistic’ and easy. It is mainly associated with girls, whereas science and technology is associated more with boys. The latter is perceived to be difficult and as high status. Thus, the profiles are viewed differently, and some participants exhibit gender stereotyped views. These views reflect gender stereotypes that may influence students’ career choices.