Photo by Isabelle Saldana/Flickr
Women have made great strides in fighting for equality in America, but are there factors that still hold women back in certain areas like science? In our #DoNowSexism post, we asked students, What do you have to say about the reasons and realities of sexism in science? What are the barriers, if any, to women in STEM careers?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic, women make up 50% of the workforce, yet only 26% of women work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. A 2008 study in the UK revealed female engineers were paid on average around $24,000 less than their male co-workers. Many argue this gap between men and women in science is caused by a lack of female role models, the threat of stereotypical gender roles and the exclusive nature of the field where women are often underrepresented at conferences and scientific advisory boards. One solution some have proposed is to create special funding programs for women.
For the past few weeks, students expressed concern over how sexism still exists today. Many students discussed a wide variety of barriers that inhibit women from pursuing science like traditional gender roles and even a lack of interest all together. The majority of students, however, argued that the way society perceives women in the workforce holds them back from
Why is this still happening?
A few students discussed in general their concern about how sexism still exists today.
@16Teah @AldrichDeJuana @KQEDedspace I agree with you because woman should be appreciated for what they do #donowsexism
— evelyn jimenez (@16Evelyn1) May 16, 2014
@Chris95er @MrVHoover @KQEDedspace Exactly! I think more females should be told the % of STEM workers and women would go right up &do them
— Vanessa Nila (@VanessaNila) May 29, 2014
What are the barriers?
Students questioned what factors contribute to sexism in STEM.
@tttran32 @KQEDedspace Given that STEM careers are generally male-dominated, some women just conform & it just becomes a cycle. #DoNowSexism
— Kirsten Lee (@kirstencorrolee) May 14, 2014
@KQEDEdspace @tttran32 Sexism is created by education and self interests. the issued can not be solved right away by learning. #DoNowSexism
— Lin Tian (@LinTian4) May 23, 2014
@KQEDedspace At a young age girls are encouraged to be housewives but if you show interest for STEM you are considered a nerd? #DoNowSexism
— Itza (@BonillaItza) May 16, 2014
Wage Gap
Students investigated deeper and discussed how lower wages may discourage women from working in STEM fields.
@KQEDedspace #donowsexism can do mostly everything that can. Maybe if the salaries of both were the same, more would be in STEM.
— leonor juarez (@leonor_16) May 16, 2014
@MrVHoover @KQEDedspace I think its because women don't have many benefits than men have in STEM so they don't choose it #DoNowSexism
— Chi Mai (@ChiMai269) May 29, 2014
Traditional gender roles
Many argued the way women are perceived in society inhibits them from working in STEM.
@nathan_nann @KQEDedspace It's not only that, but women aren't doing their part to be involved in STEM. It's not that they need more rights.
— Stephanie Phung (@stephanie_phung) May 29, 2014
@KQEDedspace Girls play w/ barbies & boys pla w/ trucks. We're "supp 2" sit@ home nd play dressup. We chng that, the stats chng #donowsexism
— Brittany Deweaver (@BrittanyD2016) May 15, 2014
@twoesel exactly which is stereotypical & woman should speak out
— Naquasia Davis (@NaquasiaWHKE) May 20, 2014
Lack of interest
Some also pointed to how not every girl will be interested in science.
@kqededspace @mrvhoover I dont thinks its sexism that keeps women out of science as much as a lack of interest.#donowsexism
— Antorius nor fleet (@nantorius) May 29, 2014
@lovely_jennny @kqededspace @mrvhoover I agree b/c the career we choose can be affected by our national instincts.
— Maurilio Lopez (@LopezMaurilio) May 30, 2014
It’s not just science
Others pointed to how science is not the only field where sexism still exists.
@KQEDedspace sexism takes place in all fields of work not just science. women earn 77 cents to the dollar of the man. #DoNowSexism
— Telesia Hunkin (@sialater7) May 14, 2014
@KQEDedspace #DoNowSexism Women are trying to overcome oppression in all areas of work and life. If we keep working we will be equal to men.
— Catherine (@catherine_beee) May 15, 2014
What can we do?
Students proposed different solutions to close the gender gap in STEM fields.
@KQEDedspace I don't think there should be special fund programs cause that gives women more advantage. It comes down to the CEO#DoNowSexism
— Reid Gibbs (@AldwayneJohnson) May 16, 2014
@KQEDedspace girls need to b shown more female opportunities and role models in the sciences b/c interest starts at a young age #DoNowSexism
— Rebecca S-F (@jewishkid2k14) May 16, 2014
@KQEDEdspace Girls should be encouraged to get involved in STEM younger so they are more confident in pursuing a STEM carrier #DoNowSexism
— Benjamin Anderson (@Banderson579) May 16, 2014
