Investigating the relationship between gender and subject attainment : influencing further study of technology subjects in Malta

Abstract

This work expands on the prior research of Stellini and Pule (2019) which investigated the relationship between subject attainment and the factors governing students' decisions in relation to the further study of design and technology areas. The study for the year 2019 by these authors indicated positive perceptions of the subject of design and technology by state-middle school students of both genders. Meanwhile, other variables were discovered, showing that sociocultural considerations and future career objectives impact students' decision-making interests in subject taking. The subjects chosen by students have implications for future employment, societal mobility, and the knowledge and skills required to drive the economy (Davies & Ercolani, 2018). According to the most recent National Statistics Office report on the labour force survey in Malta, public administration, defence, education, social work, and human health have the highest distribution of jobs. Manufacturing, industry, quarrying, and construction are all mid-level jobs with a large male representation (Labour Market and Information Society Statistics Unit, 2020).