The White House Council on Women and
Girls says women have far outpaced men when it comes to gains in
educational attainment during the past 40 years. Not only are women more
likely to graduate from college than men, they also earn master's
degrees in greater numbers than their male counterparts. So why is it
that women hold less than a quarter of the jobs in science and math
fields?
Gender gap in STEM occupations
It is a troubling trend highlighted in a recent report from the Department of Commerce, which examined women's involvement in science, technology, engineering and math, otherwise known as STEM. According to the department, women make up 48 percent of the total U.S. workforce but fill only 24 percent of STEM jobs.
The answer isn't as simple as thinking women aren't educated enough to fill STEM occupations. Women make up approximately half of the college-educated workforce in the nation. However, women are much less likely to study STEM major fields in college. Even those who graduate with a science or math degree are less likely to actually work in STEM jobs than men with the same education. Engineering, in particular, lacks female involvement with only 14 percent of workers being women. Physical and life sciences have the most female workers with women comprising 40 percent of the workforce in these fields.
Why women skip STEM fields
There are numerous theories as to why women are underrepresented in STEM fields. Most recently, the University of Buffalo made waves by suggesting women who want to be viewed as attractive may avoid STEM majors and related activities. A 2010 study published in the journal Psychological Science suggests women naturally prefer occupations that allow them to pursue communal goals such as helping others. Joan Herbers, the President of the Association of Women in Science, an association that advocates for the for the interests of women in science and technology, believes this may account for the popularity of biology majors among women.
"Women are 50 percent of the undergraduates in biology," Herbers said. "There is a clear link between people and biological studies which may explain why it is appealing to women."
Other reasons for the low number of women participating in STEM fields can be attributed to a lack of role models as well as the structure of many science careers that can demand long hours and may not be as family-friendly as other job options. In 2010, the Bayer Corporation conducted a survey of minority and women professionals working in STEM fields. Survey respondents identified the following factors as causes for the underrepresentation of women and minorities in STEM occupations:
"As a woman teaching a typically male-taught subject, I am able to show the female students that they can be successful in a STEM career," said Pace. "As students gain more exposure, they have the opportunity to find STEM areas that interest them."
Benefits of a science degree
When asked why women should consider a science degree, Herbers is quick to reply that, despite any stereotypes to the contrary, science is fun.
"It's really interesting," said Herbers. "Science is just fun, and it pays quite well too."
The financial benefits of a science degree were highlighted in the Department of Commerce report. According to the report, women working in STEM fields earn 33 percent more than comparable women in non-STEM jobs. In 2009, women in STEM careers earned an average wage of $31.11 per hour compared to an average wage of $19.26 per hour for women in non-STEM fields.
For women interested in pursuing engaging careers that offers excellent earning potential, there is no doubt that science, math and engineering degrees deserve a second look.
Gender gap in STEM occupations
It is a troubling trend highlighted in a recent report from the Department of Commerce, which examined women's involvement in science, technology, engineering and math, otherwise known as STEM. According to the department, women make up 48 percent of the total U.S. workforce but fill only 24 percent of STEM jobs.
The answer isn't as simple as thinking women aren't educated enough to fill STEM occupations. Women make up approximately half of the college-educated workforce in the nation. However, women are much less likely to study STEM major fields in college. Even those who graduate with a science or math degree are less likely to actually work in STEM jobs than men with the same education. Engineering, in particular, lacks female involvement with only 14 percent of workers being women. Physical and life sciences have the most female workers with women comprising 40 percent of the workforce in these fields.
Why women skip STEM fields
There are numerous theories as to why women are underrepresented in STEM fields. Most recently, the University of Buffalo made waves by suggesting women who want to be viewed as attractive may avoid STEM majors and related activities. A 2010 study published in the journal Psychological Science suggests women naturally prefer occupations that allow them to pursue communal goals such as helping others. Joan Herbers, the President of the Association of Women in Science, an association that advocates for the for the interests of women in science and technology, believes this may account for the popularity of biology majors among women.
"Women are 50 percent of the undergraduates in biology," Herbers said. "There is a clear link between people and biological studies which may explain why it is appealing to women."
Other reasons for the low number of women participating in STEM fields can be attributed to a lack of role models as well as the structure of many science careers that can demand long hours and may not be as family-friendly as other job options. In 2010, the Bayer Corporation conducted a survey of minority and women professionals working in STEM fields. Survey respondents identified the following factors as causes for the underrepresentation of women and minorities in STEM occupations:
- Lack of communication from STEM industries that women and minorities are needed and wanted in these fields: 51 percent
- Lack of quality math and science programs in less affluent school districts: 75 percent
- Stereotypes that STEM is not for girls or minorities: 66 percent
- The cost of education: 53 percent
"As a woman teaching a typically male-taught subject, I am able to show the female students that they can be successful in a STEM career," said Pace. "As students gain more exposure, they have the opportunity to find STEM areas that interest them."
Benefits of a science degree
When asked why women should consider a science degree, Herbers is quick to reply that, despite any stereotypes to the contrary, science is fun.
"It's really interesting," said Herbers. "Science is just fun, and it pays quite well too."
The financial benefits of a science degree were highlighted in the Department of Commerce report. According to the report, women working in STEM fields earn 33 percent more than comparable women in non-STEM jobs. In 2009, women in STEM careers earned an average wage of $31.11 per hour compared to an average wage of $19.26 per hour for women in non-STEM fields.
For women interested in pursuing engaging careers that offers excellent earning potential, there is no doubt that science, math and engineering degrees deserve a second look.
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