Video1: Explore the possible reasons for the under-representation of women in the STEM field
Why has the underrepresentation
of women in STEM fields persisted over time?
Many studies have attempted to explain the under-representation of women in STEM fields.
I
Lack
Of Interest
According to Clark Blickenstaff (2005), girls’ low interest in science or mathematics may be an important factor that leads them not to choose STEM careers.
Unfriendly
Environment
II
An unfriendly environment can also lead to a decrease in female workers in STEM fields. For example, the shortage of female engineers or scientists is likely to imply a poor working environment for women in a department, such as a cold working atmosphere, feelings of loneliness, sexual harassment issues, and so on (Clark Blickenstaff*, 2005).
stereotype
III
Figure 2: Gender stereotype in STEM career
(Geena Davis Institute)
(Steinke, 2005)
It is generally believed that men have an advantage in mathematics and spatial ability, while women have an edge in language ability (Hyde, 1996). However, the biological differences between men and women are not the cause of under-representation of women in STEM fields. This is merely a stereotype. In reality, there are no differences between men and women in terms of scientific or mathematical abilities (Clark Blickenstaff*, 2005).Further more, it is also an important reason that young female students have few role models to follow in STEM fields. In other words, society, the media and film and television works rarely present female images of scientists and engineers. Even if there are, they often carry stereotypical gender biases.
