Analysing STEM female graduates’ early career adaptation in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study based on social-cognitive career theory to analyze the early labor adaptation experiences of female graduates from STEM fields. The data was collected with the help of 24 semi-structured interviews with recent female graduates of STEM specialties. Data analysis showed that women's organizational integration and adaptation are constrained by resurgent patriarchal gender expectations and persistent gender expectations. At the same time, the neoliberal policies of the government are creating opportunities for women to play a more active role in managing their careers and in transforming social reality.