GENDER BIAS ON CAREER ASPIRATIONS OF CRIMINOLOGY AND EDUCATION STUDENTS

Abstract

Gender bias refers to the tendency to favor one gender over another or hold prejudices against specific genders. Many students tend to pursue courses that are traditionally associated with their gender. The researchers aim to explore how perceived gender bias influences the career aspirations of college students, particularly those enrolled in fields that are typically dominated by one gender, such as Criminology and Education. This study investigates the ongoing gender biases in educational settings and emphasizes the need to understand how these biases impact students' career aspirations. It aims to fill the gaps currently present in higher education regarding gender bias. Using a correlational design and quantitative research methods, the study applies stratified sampling techniques and the G Power formula to select survey respondents. A total of 138 Criminology and Education students from Bestlink College of the Philippines, enrolled in the academic year 2023-2024, were chosen as the study participants. Female respondents constitute the majority of the sample, representing 47.10%, followed by males, gender fluid, genderqueer, and transgender individuals. The study found that domestic behavior is the most significant factor influencing gender bias, with a ranking of 2.55. In terms of career aspirations, the results from the Holland Code (RIASEC Test) show that the social dimension is the area of greatest interest, followed by the conventional and realistic dimensions, which also rank highly. Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis using SPSS revealed a significant relationship between gender bias and career aspirations among Criminology and Education students at Bestlink College of the Philippines. The researchers recommend hosting seminars or workshops, utilizing online platforms and social media campaigns to raise awareness and promote inclusivity. They also suggest organizing career fairs and providing individual counseling sessions to help students explore viable career alternatives within their chosen fields.