Abstract
This article analyses the pathways open to female; leavers as they make the transition from school to work or to post‐secondary education. Trends which have social significance are investigated in terms of participation rates, employment patterns, representation across areas in post‐secondary education, and status attainment within employment. Four types of explanations for the sex‐differentiated pathways found were explored: sex‐role socialization, value orientations, the opportunity structure, and discriminatory practices. The significance of differential patterns is explored within the general context of equality of opportunity and the increasing impact of technological change.

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