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Why is Retaining Women in STEM Careers so Challenging? A Closer Look at Women's Insights and Experiences in STEM Fields

Year: 2024

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Each year, nearly twice the number of STEM degrees are conferred upon male students as their female counterparts despite females significantly outnumbering males in obtaining bachelor's degrees in all fields combined.As a result, the relatively fewer number of women entering STEM careers often express feeling unrepresented and discouraged at work.Thus, this study aimed to provide researchers insight into the experiences of women in STEM careers.Participant recruitment for the IRB approved 24-question survey was conducted via email and social media postings to STEM support groups for women.In addition to demographic data, the survey assessed respondents' career satisfaction/challenges, opinion of necessary support systems, feelings of representation within their field, and perceived incidence of institutional/cultural barriers for various subcategories of women.In total, 118 women completed the survey.Of the women currently working in STEM, 33% are working in engineering disciplines, 41% in science disciplines, and 12% in other disciplines (including computer science and mathematics).Results indicate women choose to pursue STEM careers due to, (1) an interest in the field and, (2) a natural talent/aptitude (72.7% and 57.6% of respondents, respectively).Respondents overwhelmingly (91.1%) agree that women experience more institutional/cultural barriers than men within their profession.The top 3 challenges reported include difficulty finding work/life balance (69.6%), gender-bias or other discrimination (56.3%) and high stress levels (50.9%).Desired support systems include flexible work schedules (77.7%), childcare assistance (59.8%), and workplace accommodations (nursing rooms, etc.; 57.1%).Differences were observed between engineers and scientists responding to the study.Most notably, engineers were more likely to turn to mentors/managers for support and some felt their job lacked meaningful work.Furthermore, respondents agree women of color, with disabilities, and who identify as LGBTQ experience additional cultural barriers/stigma.Results of this study provide insight into best practices and resources employers and academia can adopt to support women in STEM.Ultimately, insight can lead to improved retention rates for women in related STEM careers.

Source: ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

DOI: 10.18260/1-2--38060

Authors: Megan Conrad, Alexa Rihana Abdallah, Lauren Ross

Institutions: Marquette University, American Society For Engineering Education, University of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy

Language: English

Topic: Career Development and Diversity

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W4391955217