Do Boys and Girls Differ in their Perception of Ambition? Exploring the Conceptualisation of Adolescent Ambition

Studies on gender differences in ambition show conflicting results. Recent qualitative studies suggest this is due to the use of stereotypical masculine notions of ambition and success based on specific end goals. In addition, studies on adolescent ambition are inherently absent. We address these gaps by exploring how Danish adolescents view ambition. We combine a qualitative interview study (n = 30 (47% girls)) with a cross-sectional survey study (n = 643 (49.6% girls)) to better understand how adolescents define and conceptualize ambition, and to explore possible gender differences in ambition. Our template analysis suggests that boys and girls share similar definitions of ambition that are not tied to specific contexts, goals or perceptions of success, and that behavioural traits such as self-esteem, grit, goal-setting, and self-efficacy are needed for the expression of ambition. Structural equation modelling confirmed that goal-setting, grit, self-esteem, and self-efficacy have a significant positive relationship with ambition. Our analysis showed no gender differences in ambition when using the definition provided by the adolescents. Our results support the need for a broader approach to ambition, especially when addressing adolescents, and understanding the impact of gender stereotypes on ambition.