Negative impact of females on male selection of career choice

The advent of females into careers traditionally filled by males often results in a phenomenon called "negative impact." Demographic data show that as the number of females entering a field increases, the number of males decreases. This research focuses on the changing ratios of males to females in the field of psychology, particularly as it is represented by students in the National Honor Society of Psychology, Psi Chi. Three independent samples were taken of membership in Psi Chi; one for members inducted during 1971, a second for members inducted during 1981, and a third for members inducted during 1991. These dates reflect a time span encompassing the decades during which women's rights became a national issue. These data are supplemented with sample sizes of employment ratios in several fields that have historically been perceived as male-oriented; mathematics, computer sciences, and engineering. The samples reflect a significant trend to female dominance, particularly in psychology. Discussion highlights the need for further inquiry into the relevant earnings and prestige levels of occupations affected by the switch from a male-dominated to a more female-dominated structure.