I can definitely see self concept and gender roles at play when my kindy kids engage in occupational role play, and identify with the cognitive map of aspirations for my own career choice. I absolutely adored the male librarian at Newcastle uni when studying under grad who was covered in tattoos and identified himself as a bibliophile- more exposure to people who break the stereotypes like this may help my students feel confident making choices that suit them best.
Thanks for your post, Clare! Really interesting to have made such clear observations.