Awards and the Gender Gap in Knowledge Contributions in STEM

2020 ◽  
Vol 110 ◽  
pp. 241-244
Author(s):  
Jana Gallus ◽  
Emma Heikensten
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Social Recognition ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Female Participation ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Speak Up

Organizations miss out if their smartest members do not bring their ideas to the table. Gallus and Heikensten (2019) establish that gender differences play an important role for female participation in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math). Moreover, they show that these differences can be eliminated by providing suitable forms of social recognition via awards. This article focuses on self-stereotyping and explores its role as a mechanism behind the effect of recognition on the gender gap in the tendency to speak up.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in Academic Efficacy across STEM Fields

2021 ◽  
pp. 073112142110286
Author(s):  
Jennifer Ashlock ◽  
Miodrag Stojnic ◽  
Zeynep Tufekci
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Middle Schoolers ◽  
Self Assessments ◽  
Math Grades ◽  
And Mathematics

Cultural processes can reduce self-selection into math and science fields, but it remains unclear how confidence in computer science develops, where women are currently the least represented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Few studies evaluate both computer skills and self-assessments of skill. In this paper, we evaluate gender differences in efficacy across three STEM fields using a data set of middle schoolers, a particularly consequential period for academic pathways. Even though girls and boys do not significantly differ in terms of math grades and have similar levels of computer skill, the gender gap in computer efficacy is twice as large as the gap for math. We offer support for disaggregation of STEM fields, so the unique meaning making around computing can be addressed.

scholarly journals One Size Does Not Fit All: Gender Inequity in STEM Varies Between Subfields

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 314-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Gisler ◽  
Anne E. Kato ◽  
Soohyun Lee ◽  
Desmond W. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Gender Gap ◽  
Software Engineer ◽  
Gender Disparities ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Gender Inequity ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
And Mathematics

We wholeheartedly agree with Miner et al. (2018) that industrial and organizational (I-O) psychologists should take a lead in addressing gender inequity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The focal article is particularly timely in light of the recent controversial “Google memo” (Damore, 2017), in which a senior software engineer endorsed the same individual-level myths regarding the gender gap in STEM that were critiqued by Miner et al. (2018). However, we caution against painting all STEM fields with the same broad brush. We argue that it is critical for I-O psychologists to be aware of important differences between STEM subfields, as these distinctions suggest that a “one-size-fits-all” approach may be inadequate for addressing existing gender disparities in STEM. In order to be maximally effective, interventions may need to emphasize distinct issues and target different points in the career pipeline depending on the specific STEM subfield in question.

scholarly journals The Gender Gap in STEM Fields: Theories, Movements, and Ideas to Engage Girls in STEM

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anni Reinking ◽  
Barbara Martin
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Early Atmosphere ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Positive Learning Environments

The 2010 President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology indicated that there was a need to provide individuals with strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) backgrounds in order to be a competitive country internationally. Additionally, it has been found that there is a gender gap in STEM related fields. Therefore, this article describes theories related to the gender gap in the STEM field and ways to engage girls in STEM related fields in order to close the gender gap. The researchers of this study did extensive research to review the current literature, condense and summarize the findings from various studies, and provide steps for educators to engage in that will create an early atmosphere of positive learning environments for girls to be curious about STEM concepts.  

O sister, where art thou? Theory and evidence on female participation at citizen assemblies

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlène Gerber ◽  
Hans-Peter Schaub ◽  
Sean Mueller
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Political Engagement ◽  
Political Interest ◽  
Gender Gaps ◽  
Female Participation ◽  
Original Survey

This article investigates gender differences in participation at the citizen assembly of Glarus, Switzerland. We use original survey data collected among 800 citizens. We find significant gender gaps both for attending and holding a speech at the assembly. Lower female attendance is particularly pronounced among older cohorts and can largely be explained by gender differences in political interest, knowledge and efficacy. In contrast, the gender gap in speaking is substantial regardless of age and cannot be reduced to factors that typically shape participation. Hence, gender differences are disappearing in voting but persist in more public, interactive forms of political engagement.

Beyond biology: The importance of cultural factors in explaining gender disparities in STEM preferences

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-50
Author(s):  
Mona El-Hout ◽  
Alexandra Garr-Schultz ◽  
Sapna Cheryan
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Gender Role ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Cultural Factor ◽  
Gender Disparities ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Male Gender Role

Gender disparities in participation in many STEM fields, particularly computer science, engineering, and physics, remain prevalent in Western societies. Stewart-Williams and Halsey contend that an important contributor to these disparities is gender differences in career-related preferences that are driven partly by biology. We argue that Stewart-Williams and Halsey understate the influence of cultural factors in shaping these preferences. We provide evidence for an important and overlooked cultural factor that contributes to gender disparities in computer science, engineering, and physics: masculine defaults. Masculine defaults exist when cultures value and reward traits and characteristics associated with the male gender role and see them as standard ( Cheryan & Markus, 2020 ). We provide examples of how changing computer science, engineering, and physics cultures can decrease gender disparities in participation. Finally, we discuss policy implications, specifically the importance of (1) recognizing that preferences for STEM are malleable and (2) addressing exclusionary cultures of STEM fields. Recognizing and changing exclusionary STEM cultures are important for creating a society that is more just and equitable.

scholarly journals The Gender Wage Gap among Ph.D. Holders: Evidence from Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Alfano ◽  
Lorenzo Cicatiello ◽  
Giuseppe Lucio Gaeta ◽  
Mauro Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Gender Gap ◽  
Gender Wage Gap ◽  
Wage Gap ◽  
Decomposition Analysis ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Qualification ◽  
Employment Conditions ◽  
Quantile Decomposition ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract This paper contributes to the literature on the gender wage gap by empirically analyzing those workers who hold the highest possible educational qualification, i.e., a Ph.D. The analysis relies on recent Italian cross-sectional data collected through a survey on the employment conditions of Ph.D. holders. The Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition analysis and quantile decomposition analysis are carried out, and the selection of Ph.D. holders into employment and STEM/non-STEM fields of specialization is taken into account. Findings suggest that a gender gap in hourly wages exists among Ph.D. holders, with sizeable differences by sector of employment and field of specialization.

scholarly journals Gender differences in the determinants of willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine among the working-age population in Japan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomohiro Ishimaru ◽  
Makoto Okawara ◽  
Hajime Ando ◽  
Ayako Hino ◽  
Tomohisa Nagata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Annual Household Income ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Current Season ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Working Age Population

Many factors are related to vaccination intentions. However, gender differences in the determinants of intention to get the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine have not been fully investigated. This study examined gender differences in the determinants of willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine among the working-age population in Japan. We conducted a cross-sectional study of Japanese citizens aged 20-65 years using an online self-administered questionnaire in December 2020. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Among 27,036 participants (13,814 men and 13,222 women), the percentage who were willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine was lower among women than among men (33.0% vs. 41.8%). Age and education level showed a gender gap regarding the association with willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine: men who were older or had a higher level of education were more willing to get the vaccine, whereas women aged 30-49 years and those with a higher level of education showed a relatively low willingness to get the vaccine. For both men and women, marriage, higher annual household income, underlying disease, current smoking, vaccination for influenza during the current season, and fear of COVID-19 transmission were linked to a higher likelihood of being willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine. These findings give important insight into identifying target groups in need of intervention regarding COVID-19 vaccination, especially among women. Providing education about COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in the workplace may be an effective strategy to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

scholarly journals Opt-out choice framing attenuates gender differences in the decision to compete in the laboratory and in the field

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (42) ◽  
pp. e2108337118
Author(s):  
Joyce C. He ◽  
Sonia K. Kang ◽  
Nicola Lacetera
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Gender Imbalance ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
Choice Framing

Research shows that women are less likely to enter competitions than men. This disparity may translate into a gender imbalance in holding leadership positions or ascending in organizations. We provide both laboratory and field experimental evidence that this difference can be attenuated with a default nudge—changing the choice to enter a competitive task from a default in which applicants must actively choose to compete to a default in which applicants are automatically enrolled in competition but can choose to opt out. Changing the default affects the perception of prevailing social norms about gender and competition as well as perceptions of the performance or ability threshold at which to apply. We do not find associated negative effects for performance or wellbeing. These results suggest that organizations could make use of opt-out promotion schemes to reduce the gender gap in competition and support the ascension of women to leadership positions.

The Role of Prototype Matching in Science Pursuits: Perceptions of Scientists That Are Inaccurate and Diverge From Self-Perceptions Predict Reduced Interest in a Science Career

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 881-898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin McPherson ◽  
Bernadette Park ◽  
Tiffany A. Ito
Keyword(s):  
Gender Gap ◽  
Science Career ◽  
Science Interest ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Prototype Matching ◽  
Perceptions Of Students ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Representative Member

Self-to-prototype matching is a strategy of mental comparisons between the self-concept and the typical or “representative” member of a group to make some judgment. Such a process might contribute to interest in pursuing a science career and, relatedly, women’s underrepresentation in physical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (pSTEM) fields. Across four studies, we measured self–scientist discrepancies on communal, agentic, and scientific dimensions, and assessed participants’ interest in a science career. The most consistent predictor of science interest was the discrepancy between self and scientist on the scientific dimension (e.g., intelligent, meticulous). Study 4 established that students with larger self–scientist discrepancies also had less accurate perceptions of students pursuing science, and that inaccuracy was related to lower science interest. Thus, students with lower science interest do not just perceive scientists differently from themselves but also erroneously. Discrepancy and inaccuracy together explained a significant portion of the gender gap in pSTEM interest.

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