Gender Gap in STEM Fields
STEM is not a boy’s game, it’s not a girl’s game, it’s EVERYONE’S game.
Is the Gender Gap in STEM Fields Real?
There is without a doubt a gender gap in STEM fields. Nearly half of the U.S workforce is made up of women, but only 27% of them are actually in STEM fields. These numbers are even lower if the scope is narrowed down to females of an ethnic minority or females in a less developed country.
What is causing this Gender Gap?
The gender gap in STEM comes from the long-standing stereotypes about men being better suited for STEM than women. Technology-based activities such as coding and robotics and engineering-based activities such as architecture are often depicted as “boy” activities. Movies and tv shows often show young boys playing with lego’s or being interested in computers, while young girls are interested in dolls and make-up. It plants the idea in our minds that girls are fragile and not meant for “boy” activities, even though that is far from the truth.
When young girls are only surrounded by other girls showing no interest in STEM, they gradually lose interest as well. With a small percentage of women in STEM, it is also difficult for girls to find a strong woman in STEM to look up to. A survey commissioned by Microsoft revealed that girls become more interested in STEM fields around middle school and lose interest by high school. The decline in interest is usually due to the lack of opportunities for girls to become more engaged and involved in STEM. Factors such as an absence of a strong female community as well as being looked down upon by males play a large role in this.
Why is it Important for Females to be in STEM?
Studies have proven that females do better in math and science classes, but are less confident in their abilities and less likely to pursue a career in those subjects. Advancements in STEM would, and most likely have, been lost without the untapped potential from females. More women in STEM will also show girls that it is in fact possible to succeed in a male-dominated industry, leading to the gender gap narrowing.
How Can Parents and Educators Help Narrow the Gender Gap?
It is important to give girls the opportunity to develop a love for STEM as well as the confidence to indulge in a field dominated by boys, from a young age. Parents can start by finding STEM activities or programs for their daughters so that they can try out different interests. Educators can also help break stereotypes by offering girls the same opportunities as boys and urging them to pursue their interests.
The instructors at GearMinds put in great effort to ensure that girls of all ages know that they are welcome at our STEM classes. The many available programs are a great way for parents to set their daughters on the right path to fighting this gender gap in STEM!
Conclusion
The most important thing is that there is plenty of hope! From the 38% of women in the work field and 8% in STEM fields back in 1970, the gender gap has already come a long way. This next generation can follow the trail of those that have already started paving the way. There are already many successful women who have shown the world what they are capable of and many spots are left open for the next generation of girls!
