مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Breaking Gender Stereotypes

Abstract :

There is gender inequality in the choice of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, entry into STEM college majors and participation in a workplace environment in STEM fields over the course of time. Many studies aiming to understand the gender imbalance in STEM fields have focused on the role of gender. Because of this, the aim of this study is to examine women’ career development in STEM fields within the context of gender roles based on their perceptions. With this aim, the perceptions of 16 women in STEM were examined to understand how the role of gender influences them in three stages (college major choice, undergraduate education and working life) of their career development. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the responses of participants who were selected by using using the maximum variation sampling method that is one type of the purposeful sampling methods. The participants stated that cultural values played role in all three stages (college major choice, undergraduate education and working life) of their career development. And, family members had a role in the college major selection because of the role of gender, while learning experiences took an active role in one stage (undergraduate education) of their career development in STEM. Both the work climate and cultural values were important components of decision making to persist in or depart from STEM fields because of the role of gender. Women in STEM fields have suggested that women who are eager to choose a STEM career should get training while working and obtain more knowledge about themselves before choosing a STEM career major