21 February 2024 , 12:28
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Builders, lorry drivers, and mechanics, are the top careers that young children believe are typically for males – while nurses and hairdressers are considered “female” roles, a study has found.
Youngsters also named firefighters, plumbers, electricians, and farmers, among the jobs they would assign to men. And teachers, librarians, singers, and florists, all made the list of top 15 traditionally female careers.
The findings came after the group of primary school children, aged seven, were asked to do their best impressions of certain careers – from asking girls to impersonate a lorry driver and a mechanic, to boys acting out being a nurse.
One young boy donned a long blonde wig as he declared that nurses often have high-pitched voices. And two girls were seen giggling as they stuck moustaches onto their faces and pretended to be builders – both claiming to be “very grumpy”.
The video was filmed at St Alban & St Stephen Primary School, in Herts. – and also saw the youngsters beaming with delight as they received a surprise visit from a real-life female pilot.
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It came after a survey, of 2,000 parents and their primary school aged children, found that over half of youngsters (52%) believe pilots are mainly men.
Over half of youngsters think pilots are mainly men, according to research (PinPep)Indeed, the youngsters in the video described those in the profession as “big” and “tall”, with names like “John” and “James”.
The video was created to launch easyJet's 2024 Pilot Training Program, as the airline aims to tackle gender stereotypes, and inspire more women to consider a career in aviation.
As many as 47% of mums and dads believed their kids have already formed an opinion on the careers available to them. And 59% think there is still a mistaken belief that a career as a pilot is something for men, and not women.
Captain Rebecca Epton, an easyJet pilot, said: “This research clearly shows children are still forming opinions on the jobs available to them at a very young age, with views still reflecting outdated gender stereotypes.
“With over two-fifths of children still never having seen a female pilot, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet the children from St Alban & St Stephen Primary School, and ensure we’re inspiring all children to reach their full potential.
“This is something easyJet has been focused on for a number of years, with our pilots visiting hundreds of schools and colleges across the country to challenge these stereotypes at school age – and is something we’ll continue to do alongside other action, to ensure we are driving increased diversity within the profession for the long term.”
TOP 15 JOBS KIDS THINK ARE TRADITIONALLY MALE:
- Builder
- Lorry driver
- Mechanic
- Football player
- Firefighter
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Farmer
- Engineer
- Astronaut
- Pilot
- Police
- Doctor
- Scientist
- Chef
TOP 15 JOBS KIDS THINK ARE TRADITIONALLY FEMALE:
- Nurse
- Hairdresser
- Beautician
- Florist
- Teacher
- Singer
- Librarian
- Cabin crew
- TV presenter
- Vet
- Dentist
- Author
- Doctor
- Chef
- Scientist