How Sexism Undermines the Advancement of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Bettina Casad, Abdiel J. Flores, Andrew S. Cheli, Drake A. Anderson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has progressed slowly and women are widely underrepresented in higher education and top-ranking positions in many STEM fields (Ceci & Williams, 2007; Ceci, Williams, & Barnett, 2009; Eccles, 2007). As the U.S. faces shortages of trained scientists and engineers, researchers have questioned what contributes to the leaky * Corresponding Author Email: [email protected]. Bettina J. Casad, Abdiel J. Flores, Andrew S. Cheli et al. 2 pipeline or the phenomenon in which women students and employees leave STEM degree programs and careers at a higher rate than men (Hewlett et al., 2008). In this review we argue that interpersonal, institutional, and cultural sexism are major barriers to women's success and advancement in STEM education and careers. Using a social psychological lens, we review relevant theories and research that help explain women's underrepresentation in STEM. In this review, we examine theories and research that elucidate the role of sexism in women's underrepresentation in STEM and how various levels of sexism interact with personal characteristics to predict education and career paths in STEM. The major theoretical frameworks included in this brief review are (1) implicit prejudice, (2) social identity theory, (3) social identity threat, (4) expectancy-value models, (5) implicit intelligence theories, and (6) role theories. We conclude the review with suggestions for interventions to reduce gender gaps in STEM education and careers.
Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationSexism: Past, Present and Future Perspectives
StatePublished - Sep 2018

Disciplines

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

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