Abstract:

Despite the evolution in educational provision in Europe in recent years, there are still gender stereotypes in young people's decision-making regarding their career choices. As a result, young people may miss job opportunities due to misguided career choices. Job vacancies should encourage individuals to apply for a particular vacancy regardless of their gender, thus leading to equal opportunities for all genders, and reducing gender inequality in the professional sphere. In this study, we analyze these parameters building on interviews conducted with professionals responsible for the career guidance of young people in Europe. The study was conducted in the framework of the GUIDE project - Upgrading the skills of professionals for gender-sensitive career guidance, involving the participation of several countries, namely: Denmark, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. The present article aims to raise awareness about gender biases and barriers in career counseling by presenting the interviews conducted in the project assignments. The data collected from career counseling professionals addressed their experiences regarding the most frequent doubts young people have regarding gender bias in career decision-making and, identifies the factors that limit their choices. The study is based on the analysis of qualitative data from 34 interviews with career guidance professionals in eight countries in the framework of the European GUIDE project. The results reveal that there are gender biases in the decision-making process regarding career choice. The article provides essential information on how to approach gender-sensitive situations and, in doing so, avoid using stereotypical language when supporting people in their career decisions. The results show that there are appropriate paradigms in career decisions. Consequently, the results support the need for sensitization and awareness raising for gender equality in the labor market.

Keywords:

Gender bias, career counseling, gender stereotyping, and market inequality.