By: Jordyn Bradley, W*SS Social Media & Graphic Design Intern
Gender disparities in the workforce have always been a significant issue in our society. However, something that is not always discussed are the experiences that are faced by women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In this article, I wanted to highlight the inequalities women often experience and why we should make sure we support them. While we do recognize that there are more genders that extend beyond just men and women, a great deal of research found on this topic is found within the binary. I urge you to consider the ways in which there are more disparities in STEM fields in genders beyond the binary, but for this article, I will focus on women. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “women are nearly half of the U.S. Workforce but only 27% of STEM Workers”. Why is that?
Similar to non-STEM fields, women in STEM fields often face many biases in the workplace. In an article by HerCulture, women “are often overlooked for leadership positions and promotions; they have to deal with stereotypes and biases; they are asked to do more menial tasks than men; and they face sexual harassment from their colleagues. There’s still this bias that women can’t be good leaders”. In such a male dominated field, women have even less support when they deal with disparities and harassment from their male colleagues.
Prior to entering the workforce, women interested in STEM fields are often deviated from their intended careers. A study done by the National Science Foundation National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, “49.2% of women who originally intend to major in Science and Engineering as a first-year switch to a non-STEM major, compared to 32.5% of men.” This suggests that prejudices in academic classes and society are influencing women to change their careers.
Shockingly, the media is partially responsible for young girls being pushed out of future STEM careers. The media is guilty of portraying mostly men as science professionals. According to a study done by Yale Scientific, “75% of adults depicted in a science profession were men, and only 25% were women.” Representation matters. When girls don’t see themselves portrayed in the field of science, they will start to believe that it is not suited for them.
As not only a woman in STEM, but a minority as well, seeing statistics of women in STEM fields is disheartening. I have had first hand experience with professors doubting me in my classes. I have had first-hand experience with male students encouraging me to pick an “easier” career. It is far from fair that women have to deal with microaggressions just for being interested in male-dominated fields.
So how do we deal with this? To the readers, I encourage you to check on the women in your life in STEM fields or pursuing them. Offer support and be understanding of experiences, not dismissing the experiences because they are seen as normal. Readers, I also encourage you to inspire the younger generation. It is crucial that young girls feel supported in STEM interest. Lastly, as a society, let’s portray women positively in science. I have hope for our future for women in STEM and I hope you do as well.
Interested in supporting or joining Women in STEM on MSU’s Campus? Check out @msuwomeninstem on instagram!
Sources:
Christnacht, Anthony Martinez and Cheridan. “Women Are Nearly Half of U.S. Workforce but Only 27% of STEM Workers.” Census.gov, 8 Oct. 2021, https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/01/women-making-gains-in-stem-occupations-but-still-underrepresented.html.
Posts. “The Importance of Women in STEM: Why Diversity Matters.” Her Culture, Her Culture, 2 Mar. 2022, https://www.herculture.org/blog/2022/3/2/the-importance-of-women-in-stem-why-diversity-matters.
Robbins, Carol Robbins, and Beethika Khan. “Science & Engineering Indicators.” NSF, https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20201/u-s-s-e-workforce.
Singh, Ishani. “By the Numbers: Women in STEM: What Do the Statistics Reveal about Ongoing Gender Disparities?” Cropped-YSM-Wordmark-Only-Black-High-Res.png, 27 Nov. 2020, https://www.yalescientific.org/2020/11/by-the-numbers-women-in-stem-what-do-the-statistics-reveal-about-ongoing-gender-disparities/.
“Why Representation Matters for Girls and Women in STEM.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/perspectives/why-representation-matters-girls-and-women-stem.
“Women in STEM USA Statistics.” Stem Women, 4 May 2022, https://www.stemwomen.com/women-in-stem-usa-statistics.
“Women in STEM: Q&A with Dr. Denise Faustman of MGH: Scitech Connect.” Elsevier SciTechConnect, https://scitechconnect.elsevier.com/women-stem-qa-dr-denise-faustman/.