Communications of the ACM
Researchers Explain How Stereotypes Keep Girls Out of Computer Science Classes
Midshipman Keely Simonson (right) helps Shaina Knox with a robotics project during the U.S. Naval Academy's girls-only STEM workshop for middle school students in 2014.
Credit: Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post
Despite valiant efforts to recruit more women, the gender gap in the fields collectively known as STEM — science, technology, engineering, and math — is not getting any better. The gaps in computer science and engineering are the largest of any major STEM discipline.
Stereotypes are a powerful force driving girls away from these fields. Even though stereotypes are often inaccurate, children absorb them at an early age and are affected by them.
Two stereotypes push young girls away from STEM. The first is about the culture of STEM: Who belongs in STEM, and what do they do? One popular image of computer science is that it’s for "geeky" guys who sit alone writing code all day.
The second stereotype that shapes the STEM gender gap is about ability. Our culture persists in thinking that boys are better at math and science.
From The Washington Post
View Full Article
No entries found