Date
2-29-2024
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Chair
Michael Shenkle
Keywords
motivational orientation, social work students, female-dominated, male-dominated, field of study, STEM students, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation
Disciplines
Education | Social Work
Recommended Citation
DiMarcantonio, Laura A., "Male Motivation to Pursue Social Work: A Causal-Comparative Study Investigating the Differences in Male Students’ Motivational Orientation and Field of Study" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5218.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5218
Abstract
The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, causal-comparative study was to investigate if there is a difference in the motivational orientation of male social work students and men in traditional fields of study. Men are underrepresented in social work degree programs in the United States, yet their unique voice and experience are needed to meet the diverse workforce goals of the profession and provide equitable services to all individuals. Participants for the study were drawn from a convenience sample that included 252 students enrolled in baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral-level social work, computer science, engineering, and math programs at four universities in the United States. The study used the college student version of the Work Preference Inventory (WPI) to measure six dependent variables associated with intrinsic motivational orientation and extrinsic motivational orientation toward work. Study participants were solicited through flyers and direct email and completed the WPI survey electronically. Survey results were analyzed using SPSS software, and the MANOVA statistic was used to examine differences between students in social work and the three STEM programs on the dependent variables. Results of the study indicate that there are no significant differences in motivational orientation among male social work students and male STEM students and that both groups are dually motivated toward work. Recommendations for future research include surveying a larger sample of students that is representative of all U.S. college students and comparing direct factors related to major choice such as family background and race and ethnicity.
