An analysis of the propensity for nontraditonal occupations among civilian and Navy women

Abstract

This thesis explores women's propensity to select nontraditional occupations. Specifically, it analyzes the desired occupations of a sample of civilians of enlistment age and a sample of Navy enlistees. Data taken from the Navy's 1991 New Recruit Survey and the 1979/1982 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth are analyzed to determine differences in propensity between young civilian women and female enlistees. Differences in occupational preferences between male and female civilians and male and female enlisted personnel are analyzed. Multivariate regression models are developed indicating factors that affect women's occupational choices for both the Navy and civilian samples. The study reveals that Navy women are more likely than young civilian women to choose nontraditional occupations. Young civilian men and male Navy enlistees are more likely than either civilian women and female Navy enlistees to choose nontraditional occupations. Three determinants of nontraditional occupational choice are consistent across female models using both civilian and military samples. Women of high ability, who desire high-tech training, and who expect uninterrupted labor force participation have higher propensity for nontraditional jobs than other women. Recommendations are for focused advertising to attract those women into the Navy who desire nontraditional occupations. Outreach in high schools and during the recruiting and enlistment process also can identify those women with greater propensity for nontraditional ratings.