Communications of the ACM
STEM Gender Gap Shows No Signs of Closing With Gen Z
A lack of diversity in the STEM workforce could limit tech advancements, one report said.
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The gender disparity in pursuing STEM careers persists among young people ranging from tweens to recent grads, new data shows.
Like their older counterparts, girls aren't warming to STEM, despite efforts designed to boost their participation.
More 12- to 26-year-old boys and men are interested in pursuing STEM careers than girls and women, who express a high lack of confidence in their abilities, according to recent Gallup data. "Despite much investment in STEM education — including in initiatives to reduce disparities in STEM participation by gender — significant gender gaps persist," the report says.
Fifty-seven percent of female respondents say they don't think they would be good at a STEM career, versus 38% of males. In a smaller gap, 61% of female Gen Z members say they don't enjoy the subjects, compared to 58% of males.
Eighty-five perent of males say they are interested in at least one STEM field, compared to 63% of females. For the computer and technology field, 62% of males are interested, versus 34% of females. In engineering, 52% of males are interested, versus 24% of females. In math, 33% of males are interested, versus 23% of females.
From Axios
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