Employment can take many forms in the modern world. There are many people employed in the private sector and the government than in any other era in history. People have freedom of choice to select the kind of employment they want. An interesting question is, what makes people choose one type of job instead of another? Are there external factors that determine the type of employment one will eventually choose? Historical evidence shows how employment patterns and job selection are influenced by social and economic setbacks. However, over the years, critical analysis on factors influencing job choice have been identified to be inclusive of race, gender, economics, culture and education.
While race, gender and education can influence an individual’s job choice, it goes beyond the visible reasons in its application. In this paper, we are going to examine closely on how various factors affect job selection in the contemporary society and analyze historical evidence where it exist. This will not only help us understand the factors but give an insight on the reality of thing as they happen in our work place.
A person’s race or the race of that with who they associate, for example a spouse, is a factor in job selection. This is the most obvious factor in the history of employment that has affected people of black origin in America and Europe in general. An individual of black origin cannot get equal pay as a white though they perform the same job with the same level of education, experience and skills. This is attributed to the reason that the two parties are not equal. The whites perceive themselves superior than the African Americans and therefore there cannot be equal treatment between a master and a slave. Laying off African American employees while their white counterparts retain their jobs. This is a common practice in our society during difficult economic times. A combination of such situations and other workplace harassments and retaliation influence the type of employment we choose. For example, an individual of an African origin who works in a place where the majorities are white will most likely feel uncomfortable. This may not due to his personal perception of their position but because of the atmosphere created by others. They may be frequent assignments that are not on his line of duty but they are nevertheless ordered to perform. It might also be due to poor working condition, harassment, lack of promotion, being over worked and poor pay. In such a situation, one will opt for other jobs no matter how well paying and prestigious the job may be.
Gender is another important determinant of the type of job we choose. In a world dominated by men in its leadership positions and policy formulation processes, women are an endangered species. Often, women have been denied job opportunities despite having similar qualifications and experience as their male counterparts. The obvious reason given is that a particular job is for a male candidate. Assumptions are made that women will not perform in particular job positions, but ironically, women have been known to perform better than men in various employment positions. This has a negative effect on women who feel unfit for certain jobs and they will rarely apply for such positions. Over the years, women have not been involved in productive work, they were seen as housekeepers. To some extent, this ideology still exists in some people. This has made it difficult for women to succeed in the employment sector. For example, in some organizations, some specific jobs, mostly managerial positions, are set aside for men. Women on the other hand are given subordinate jobs such as secretaries and cleaners. Despite their qualifications and experience, women are often denied opportunities to hold high positions in the work place. This discourages them and they end feeling dejected and not fit for such jobs. Eventually, there will be fewer women applying for such positions. This gender issue in the long-run will be a determinant of what employment an individual will chose. Men on the other hand, since the ‘unwritten policies’ of the organization seem to favor them, will apply for the job even when they have a lower qualification than women.
Education is the attainment of knowledge that enables us to be skillful and equipped in the work place. This implies that the level and quality of education one has will determine the course they will pursue and eventually the kind of job they will land. Lack of quality education will mean that one cannot compete effectively with well-educated students. Therefore, quality education produces competent and brave students who are confident when seeking employment opportunities. Education is therefore directly related to economic well-being. The financial status of a person will determine the kind of school they will attend, which will determine the quality of education they will attain. This has a direct effect on the type of job they choose and are eligible to contend. For example, a managerial position in an organization requires adequate knowledge and necessary skills to be able to run the organization smoothly. This requires a lot of experience in management and necessary knowledge in strategic adaptation to the evolving world. Such qualification requirements for the position require a well educated person with high level of competence and knowledge of the job responsibilities. In absence of such qualifications, we are ineligible for the job and we cannot choose to apply due to education factors.
The choice of the type of work an individual desire is not entirely determined by personal choices. There are other external factors that are involved in determining where we end up in the employment sector. Race, gender and education are major factors that determine this fate. Over the years, there have been policies and projects that are aimed to eradicate these factors to make employment choices wholly dependent on individual factors. However, the success rate has been low due to people’s and organizations’ willingness to surrender their power. Consequently, there has been poor performance in the employment positions where potential candidates are denied opportunities based on their gender or race. The government and Non-governmental organizations have come up with policies that empower and advocate for equality in employment fighting gender and racial discrimination in the work place. However, the success of these initiatives depends on a national and global cooperation in fighting these vices. We should therefore join together in changing the world to make it a better place for the present and coming generation. The achievement of this lies on our ability to create a favorable environment in the work place that does not discriminate against anyone.
Works Cited
Cudworth, Bessie M, and Miles R. Jacobs. Emily Howland 1827-1929: An Unforgettable Person. Union Springs, N.Y: Tallcot Bookshop, 1996. Print.
Steinem, Gloria. Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions. New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1983. Print.
