Why do women tend to avoid careers and degrees in science, engineering, and math?

Question

I know not all do. I would think these would be excellent fields for women. Great pay, good working conditions, etc. But according to what I have heard they avoid them. Why?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050511134757.htm
http://www.prism-magazine.org/nov03/briefings.cfm

Answer 1

Great question; in my experience it is because society discourages them from doing so. At engineer camp my female partner and I were told we belonged in a kitchen (and repeatedly called derogatory names)--we were as a rule kept away from our group's project by the male members and confined to making decorations. I'm studying engineering/math now and some of my male colleagues are condescending to me because of my gender, and while men are assumed to be competent, women constantly have to prove themselves. In my general experience, women in group projects in engineering tend to get stuck with the write up or just not really "included" in the design and construction stages.

I can see why that would make some women avoid engineering.

Answer 2

Depends on what science.

Women love medical science, and social engineering. I think women are more driving to find careers where they are social and nurture a society. There are so many woman doctors, medial researchers, and medical technicians. It seems that when a woman believes she can be part of curing cancer, you've ampt her with tons of motivation. Where-as if you say, lets make the biggest bridge anywhere, well, she isn't driving since it does not have human aspect except to glorify people.

Dunno, just my observations.

Answer 3

I think there are several reasons: There are few role models for girls in these fields, at least in my experience. And in school, you need an aptitude for math, plus a teacher who makes math or science interesting so that you look forward to going to class. I was fortunate to have great high school math teachers who encouraged both girls and boys to learn. I entered university as a math major, but my first math professor didn't teach well and didn't care if anyone learned (spent the time joking in class). I ended up changing my major.

Answer 4

I would say that it often has to do with the amount of schooling required. Women are often wired with a desire to have a family and do not want to invest that much time into an education. Not because they do not place value on education but because they fall in love and lose their minds...

Answer 5

I can only speak for myself.. First, I was taught(by my mother) that these things were not for women, and I was too stupid, anyway. Second, I had teachers who decided that since I had an IQ of 136, the only reason I was having difficulty was because I didn't want to and refused to help me or answer my questions. I had one teacher whose only response to my pleas for help was "read the book" I read the book, and I wasn't getting it! So I gave up. When, in spite of all this, I wanted to go study in a certain field of science, I was told " girls don't need college, you need to find a man and raise a family" Although I had no interest in marrying and raising a family, that's what I ended up doing. And believe me, I regret not fighting harder for my dream.

Answer 6

There is a difference between avoiding, and choosing. Despite "political correctness", men and women have unique mentalities. Both a man and woman could have the exact IQ in the exact fields, yet chose varying careers. Men and women express their knowledge in different ways.

Answer 7

In other countries, we find more women in STEM than the US, because of prevailing attitudes about women s abilities. Truth is, ability is individual, not related to gender, so there shouldn t be anything stopping women except their own self doubt.

Answer 8

Mmm, I'm not interested. I might be able to do it, but, I don't think I want to. So, it might be like that for other women. I am currently working on becoming a graphic designer. My other choices? History, possibly parapsychology (I think that's what it's called). But, I'm weird anyway. :)

Answer 9

I know many women who excel in these fields. And they don't take things as personal as men. There was a study on that too.

Answer 10

Because women are not as encouraged to take interest in science, engineering and mathematics. It isn't biological, it's cultural. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool.