Surprising discovery: when you talk to 9 year old boys about their career interests, you have to ask about their second choice, because most plan to become professional athletes.
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This is a statement about US society (albeit it's not exclusive to the US) rather than about 9 year old boys. A 9 year old wants to become whatever they perceive as the highest-status, most appropriate role for them. They reflect what their surroundings tell them.
I don't think it's mainly because e.g. footballers are famous, but because they already play football and like it more than anything else they do at school. So a job doing that would be ideal from their POV.
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But then wouldn't the answer be "professional Fortnite player"? And what about the other common answer, "police officer"? I think their answer is largely based on what they see on TV.
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Most of the 9 yos I meet are not allowed to play Fortnite yet, and also don't realize there are professional Fortnite players. Maybe it would be different if they did. I don't know any kids who want to be policemen.
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Exactly. I doubt they’re thinking “status” at all. When I was 9 I wanted to be a pro soccer player even tho it wasn’t something girls did (in Europe). But it was what made me the happiest & I was better at it than most boys. I’m not sure I could even grasp the concept of status.
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You may be underestimating the $$$ involved. They like it more than anything else, sure, but when I asked mine about career it already comes down to status and $$$. Footballers get rich. Even at 9 boys want the money.
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