Segmental influence: the case of educational and occupational significant others.

This research examines the scope of influence exerted by the occupational and educational significant others (SO's) identified by a sample of 142 high school youth in an attempt to determine the extent to which this influence is segmental. The data show that the influence of most significant others is specific to either educational or occupational ambitions suggesting that these are fairly distinct realms for adolescents. Variations by sex of student for ego and relationship of other to ego are noted, and the implications of the pattern of SO influence for female achievement are discussed.