Work

Gender‐Informed Mentoring Strategies for Women Engineering Scholars: On Establishing a Caring Community

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: Improved mentoring of women graduate students and young faculty is one strategy for increasing the presence, retention and advancement of women scholars in engineering. We explore the sociological literature on interpersonally‐ and institutionally‐generated gender roles and dynamics that make the construction and maintenance of mentoring relationships especially difficult for women in male‐dominated fields. In addition, we review non‐traditional strategies including peer‐, multiple‐ and collective mentorships that are likely to be more successful for most women (and many men). Finally, organizational change strategies designed to provide a more egalitarian and cooperative atmosphere in engineering programs and departments are presented. These ideas represent a social contract for a caring community more supportive of all members' personal and professional growth and success.

Source: Journal of Engineering Education

DOI: 10.1002/j.2168-9830.2002.tb00672.x

Authors: Naomi C. Chesler, Mark A. Chesler

Institutions: University of Vermont, Swarthmore College, University of Michigan

Language: English

Topic: Career Development and Diversity

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Science Foundation