The Gender Gap

A recent study led by Dr. Corinne Moss-Racusin demonstrated that schemas have a very real effect on the way women in STEM are viewed by other people-- even by people who do not consciously discriminate against women. In the study, fake resumes for a lab manager position were sent to STEM academics throughout America. Every detail of the resumes was the same, except half were from “Jennifer” and half were from “John.” The results of the study were that “John” was more likely to be hired, to have a mentor, to be paid more, and even to be viewed as more skilled as compared to the responses to “Jennifer’s” resume.⁴ The woman, Jennifer, received less recognition for the same accomplishments as John, which is a direct result of unconscious bias. The same situation occurs in the real world and negatively impacts women as they navigate careers in the STEM fields.

Unconscious bias also influences the way young women view themselves in school and starting out in STEM. A report by the American Association of University Women explains that the gap between the number of women and the number of men in STEM broadens as women advance further into their career, and it starts once they get to college.⁵ A loss of interest in STEM among younger women is very likely a result of girls’ perceptions of STEM as a male-dominated field. A study in 2009 showed young women in a college calculus class were just as invested in the class as male classmates. However, at one point in the class, inaccurate stereotypes about women in STEM were introduced to some of the students as part of the study. From that point on, the women in that group were surveyed to be less engrossed in the subject.⁶ On the other hand, girls who are encouraged and told they can grow and expand their math skills throughout school and their career are more likely to stick with STEM, as girls often set high bars for their own performance.⁷

Other problems also exist for women in STEM, such as inadequate family resources, unequal pay, and sexual harassment. All these disadvantages work together to push women out of STEM careers or keep them from entering them in the first place.

If you are a young woman looking into STEAM, do not be discouraged! There are plenty of successful women in the STEAM fields (like those featured on this website) who started out as young women just like yourself. They are eager to share their stories, advice, and time to let you know you can achieve your STEAM dreams. There are plenty of ways to begin--or continue--your STEAM journey, and you can start by taking a look at what the women on this website have shared.

Most importantly, remember: you can achieve your STEAM goals! As Arleen Paulino, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at AMGEN, shares, “It is important to have confidence in yourself, and don’t let self-doubt get in your way.” The women on this website have shared that failure is okay, as long as you keep feeding your interests and persevering in your STEAM dreams. It’s not necessary to know exactly what you want to do in high school, or even college. Dr. Catherine Roberts, Executive Director of the American Mathematical Society, states, “I do not believe that math talent is innate--I think learning to problem solve is something that anyone can learn with persistence.”

If you are a woman already in a STEAM career, please consider becoming a mentor for younger women, sharing your story, or getting involved in running programs for young women in STEAM. If you aren’t associated directly with STEAM but still want to help out, you can share resources for young women to learn more about STEAM careers, like this website.

To find out more about the STEM gap and ways to encourage young women, check out these awesome resources:

American Association of University Women (The STEM Gap)

Women in STEM Fields: Everything You Need to Know