Abstract

This study explores the professional development of female graduates of Radcliffe College, an Ivy League college in the USA. A secondary statistical analysis of the 1977 Radcliffe Centennial Survey shows how changing social, political, institutional, and economic forces influenced the post-graduate career pathways of female alumnae. Independent of era, a Radcliffe degree could propel most women to the second tier professional status level of managers. Regardless of social class background, the women experienced similar career trajectories. However it was extremely rare for these women to climb to the highest step on the career ladder, indicating the difficulties of overcoming institutional and social barriers to advancement.

Notes

Author's postprint manuscript of an article published as: Duffy, J.O. (2009)
"Gender, education, background and career progression: case study of Radcliffe
College graduates," International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, Vol. 4, Nos. 2/3, pp.165–178. DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2009.028070

Keywords

gender; education, employment, class background, sustainable development

Disciplines

Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Women's Studies

Publisher

Inderscience Publishers

Publication Date

2009

Rights Holder

© 2009 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.


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