Why So Few Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math?
Ever wondered why there are more girls into studying the STEM subjects (Science Technology Engineering Math) than there are women who actually pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math? The girls and young women who become interested can stay focused enough on their STEM career dreams all the way through majoring in STEM subjects in college. Then things start veering off the tracks.
Somewhere during the earning of the BS degree, minds are changed and the women veer away from what had been their dream careers. Some don’t even complete their intended degree and switch to something less STEM-oriented. What the heck happens?
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has just published a report on exactly that: Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
From the quick-and-dirty:
In an era when women are increasingly prominent in medicine, law and business, why are there so few women scientists and engineers? A new research report by AAUW presents compelling evidence that can help to explain this puzzle. Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics presents in-depth yet accessible profiles of eight key research findings that point to environmental and social barriers — including stereotypes, gender bias and the climate of science and engineering departments in colleges and universities — that continue to block women’s participation and progress in science, technology, engineering, and math. The report also includes up to date statistics on girls’ and women’s achievement and participation in these areas and offers new ideas for what each of us can do to more fully open scientific and engineering fields to girls and women.
Further Reading:
Report Examines Why Women Are Under-Represented in STEM Fields
The Hotness of Geek Barbie
You Can Kiss My Math Because Smart Girls Are Hot
Smart Girls Are Hot
Posted by Alexa Harrington
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More victimization politics! Unfortunately I am a white male and can never be victimized, plus no one would believe me anyway. The tripe in this column fails to point out that entering engineers in 2010 starting salary is $86,000. If a woman engineering graduate (math, science, etc.) wants a job and good money, then she will not be victimized. The AAUW would have no following if it did not promote the victimization of women.