For generations, the debate over nature versus nurture has been discussed, with numerous studies and theories being shared to illustrate both sides of the argument. The debate has been particularly relevant when considering whether we are encouraged to take on the same professional identity as our parents, or whether a career choice is something that is hard wired within us.
Growing up in the 80s when the idea of women working in a high-powered job was still seen as unconventional. I remember the occurrences of people judging my mother’s choices. This was particularly evident when I was just eight years old, waiting for my mother to pick me up from field-hockey training. One of the other mothers clearly didn’t share my mother’s view on working by expressing her opinion that my mother was late in picking me up because she was working.
My mother’s career, parallel to being a mother, was something she took great pride in. Both she and my father were well known journalists at the time, presenting current affairs programs on tv, and often being published in newspapers.
However, unlike my mother, my father was rarely ever judged for his role as a “working father”, leaving me to glean an insight into how the conventions and social expectations of different genders can have varying impacts.
But are we truly genetically predisposed to follow in your parents’ footsteps? The answer is yes and no. The truth is while it has been found that a correlation exists between hereditary traits and a parent’s career trajectory, following in their line of work is by no means an absolute requirement or guarantee.
It has been for some time, researchers looked at the heritability of IQ and other aspects of intelligence and emotional development that may have an influence on our eventual career paths. Studies have found that there are certain traits that may be passed down from one generation to the next. For example, socio-economic status, based on family of origin, has an affect on educational attainment, career choices, and overall earnings.
It is also a well-documented phenomenon that parents often pass down beneficial habits, work values, and learned talents to their children. According to some experts, parents tend to devote more attention to their children’s interests and provide greater access to resources when it closely relates to their own profession.
Despite the influence of my parents, both journalists, editors, and authors, I decided to pursue a different career path. I studied Art History & explored a career in hospitality and diplomacy before eventually finding a way to utilise my linguistic and intellectual passion. Although I enjoyed my prior jobs, I am now in a more suitable role for my current stage in life.
Ultimately, no one is truly predetermined to follow in their parents’ footsteps when it comes to career paths. However, in many cases, having a parent in the same industry can be beneficial, as it provides access to resources and knowledge that may otherwise be inaccessible. As someone who was able to balance a successful career with my own creative passions, I can honestly say that having a parent in the same profession is definitely not a hindrance but an honour.
By Eva Larsson