Challenging occupational stereotyping in early childhood (KS1)

This project aims to develop interventions to support children aged 3-8 years of age in the North East of England to develop a foundational awareness and understanding of career opportunities, including business and entrepreneurship, available to them (regardless of their gender, intergenerational trends, socioeconomic circumstances or health inequalities) to ensure equal access to future secure, sustained and well-paid employment.

Overcoming occupational stereotypes is a major challenge to remove barriers to future career and employment aspirations. Literature is sparse regarding occupational stereotypes and aspirations at an early age, particularly regarding business and entrepreneurship as career pathways. Whilst preliminary research highlights the need to engage children early in career education, the practice points out a gap, as career education often only starts at seven years old or above. Overcoming barriers to challenge occupational stereotyping is embedded in large societal complex systems, where (childhood) poverty, the education system, culture, deprivation and other systemic challenges intervene.

The following team is working on this challenge:

Entrepreneurs in Residence

• Dr Kat Carruthers - NetWORK NotWORK
• Sarah McPhie - Stockton Citizens Advice
• Eilis Sexton - Linx Youth Project

Researchers

• Dr Charmele Ayadurai - Durham University
• Dr Harriet Broadfoot - Durham University
• Olivia King - Durham University
• Regina Casteleijn-Osorno - Aalto University

Click here to follow the project: https://socialscience.ventures/showcase/challenging-occupational-stereotyping-in-early-childhood-ks1/