(TRIANGLE BUSINESS JOURNAL) 21 August 2006:

Researchers at RTI International say the results of a recent study indicate that concerns about balancing career and family prevent many young women from entering male-dominated fields.

The study examined 137 female high school seniors in 1990 who aspired to male-dominated jobs. Seven years later, 83 percent of those women had changed their occupational aspirations to female-dominated fields or neutral jobs, according to a written statement released by RTI on Monday.

The study found the most significant factor prompting young women to change career plans was the desire for a job that allowed the flexibility to have a family, RTI officials said.

The study’s authors concluded that employers need to provide childcare and a flexible work schedule without compromising promotions or other career opportunities.