GIRLS’ INTEREST IN STEM SUBJECTS ARE AFFECTED BY GENDER STEREOTYPEs
New research suggests children start to think STEM learning tracks and careers are only for boys as early as age 6.
Research results published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in November 2021 reveal that gender stereotypes about interests start as early as age 6 and cause disparities in computer science and engineering. Women representation in computer science and engineering are 25% and 15% respectively, according to the recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics from 2019. When in the lab studies girls were told that boys were more interested in computer science than girls, only 35% of the girls showed interest in that field whereas in a comparison group 65% of girls were interested in computer science when they were told boys and girls had an equal interest in it. Lead author of the study Allison Master said in a press release that “gender-interest stereotypes that STEM is for boys begins in grade school, and by the time they reach high school, many girls have made their decision not to pursue degrees in computer science and engineering because they feel they don’t belong”. Teachers and parents can play a key role in encouraging girls to participate in computer science and engineering activities.
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