Abstract
In reviewing the available literature, Arnett (2007) made the argument that Erikson’s (1968) theory limited the way in which society understood adult development. Arnett (2007) argued that a more fluid transition, one he coined “Emerging Adulthood,” was needed to explain why Millennial generation men and women are exploring other opportunities and postponing decisions on child rearing and family. Research also indicated Millennial women currently outnumber men in college enrollment and graduation (Ghosh, 2011). This is a result of the movement away from the expectation of marriage and family and the ability to explore new possibilities at later ages in life. Statement of the Problem The focus of this study is to identify the motivations, aspirations, and expectations of Millennial Generation women. Particularly, this research hopes to uncover how current gender norms affect Millennial Generation women’s perspectives on family and career. The research seeks to answer the following three questions: 1. What are the motivations of Millennial Generation women for attending college? 2. What expectations do Millennial Generation women have after graduating from college? 3. What are the current perspectives of Millennial Generation women on family and career? The researcher hypothesized college women at present are forced to choose between starting a family and starting their career, as current gender norms make it difficult for women to start both concurrently. The researcher also hypothesized Millennial Generation women’s educational attainment affects their decisions on which to start first, career or family. Methodology The data were derived from an online survey. Students at Sycamore State University during the spring semester of 2013 were asked to participate in the online survey. The students were gathered from the pool of career and technical education classes offered at the SSU during Spring 2013. Faculty members were asked to distribute the links to the students who then elected to participate in the survey. The survey included multiple-choice, short-answer, yes or no, and Likert-type scaled questions. Respondents were asked a series of 31questions, organized into four categories: Personal Information, Career and Undergraduate Major Choice, Campus Career Services, and Goals After Graduation. Conclusions and Recommendations The data collected from participants suggest Millennial Generation women have varying motivations for attending college, but an overall theme that emerged was their motivation to attend college to purse an interest in a particular major. The data also indicated women choose their particular major because of the motivation they have to make a difference in society via the chosen major. The research underscores that women are not attending college in pursuit of getting married and starting families. Rather, the researcher found it was more important for participants to get their careers started first. Subtle themes developed throughout the research indicated the participants still held gender biases, though may not necessarily have had an awareness of the bias. Findings suggested women were more inclined to choose majors in the fields of education and health services, two fields that tend to be female-dominated. The research also indicated women were under-utilizing the career center at SSU; however, data showed that when they used the service, they found it was effective. Finally, the research showed participants did not feel pressure to choose between starting a family and starting their careers.