UC Santa Cruz

This study examined young men's gender beliefs in relation to their academic motivation (self-efficacy and interests) and selection of traditional (e.g., economics, engineering), nontraditional (e.g., psychology, literature), or neutral (e.g., life sciences, history) fields. A sample of 342 undergraduate men (M = 19.61 years old) completed survey measures of masculinity ideology, perceived gender typicality, and covert sexism, and also rated their self-efficacy and interests in traditional and nontraditional fields. A series of regression analyses suggested ways that men's gender beliefs may be related to academic motivation and major choice in traditional or nontraditional fields. In addition, interests and self-efficacy appeared to mediate some associations between gender beliefs and academic choices. © 2008 American Psychological Association.