Can Only Men Be Good At Math, Science And Engineering?

Introduction

In India, like in other countries, it’s essential to think about fairness between genders in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Even though people try to make things fair and include everyone, significant differences still stop women from joining these areas. When we look at why this happens, we see that it’s not just one thing causing it. It’s a mix of how society sees things, our culture, and how institutions work, making it hard for women to be fully involved in STEM subjects.

What is STEM Education and what are the Differences between Genders?

STEM education focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, providing a hands-on, integrated learning approach. These fields are crucial for innovation and problem-solving in today’s world. Historically, there has been a gender gap in STEM, with women often being underrepresented. This is due to factors including societal stereotypes, lack of female role models in STEM, and unconscious biases. However, initiatives are working to bridge this gap, encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM careers by providing support and mentorship and highlighting successful female figures.

Educational Opportunities and Enrollment

In school, many girls enjoy studying science, technology, engineering, and math, collectively known as STEM subjects. About half of the girls in school opt for these courses. However, upon completing their education and entering the workforce, only a few girls secure jobs in STEM fields. 

According to data from the National Science Foundation, about 52% of women choose STEM courses for graduation. However, only 29% of these women work in STEM after graduation. This significant difference between the number of women who study STEM and those who work in STEM jobs shows that obstacles prevent women from pursuing careers in these fields, even though they show interest and complete their education.

In India, the World Bank says that nearly 43% of all STEM graduates are women, a significant number. It shows that many women are interested in and involved in STEM subjects. However, despite this high interest, women must be proportionally represented in STEM jobs. The gap between the number of women graduating in STEM and the number working in STEM roles suggests that other factors besides education influence women’s career paths in STEM.

This discrepancy may be attributed to societal perceptions that certain professions are more suitable for boys than girls, the need for greater representation of successful women in STEM, or the challenges and biases encountered in STEM workplaces. Addressing these issues could encourage more girls to choose and thrive in STEM careers.

Workforce Representation and Leadership

Only 3% of CEO positions in the STEM industry are held by women, highlighting the need for improvement in gender representation at the top levels of leadership. This lack of gender diversity in leadership positions reflects more significant problems within the workplace culture, bias, and institutional barriers that prevent women from advancing and taking on leadership roles in STEM fields.

Women in research and development institutions and universities represent just 14% of scientists, engineers, and technologists. This significant gap highlights the urgent need for collective efforts to address gender disparities in research and academic settings. Despite their qualifications and expertise, women encounter obstacles when entering and progressing in STEM professions. These barriers perpetuate a cycle of underrepresentation and marginalization for women in STEM.

Institutional Dynamics and Stereotypes

In famous educational institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), there aren’t many female professors. At IIT Bombay, only 17.5% of professors are women; at IIT Madras, it’s just 10.2%. The data shows that men still dominate these places, making it hard for women to move up in their careers and get recognized.

Also, more women teach STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in schools than in higher education. The data shows how society’s views and biases stop women from growing in STEM careers. Even though women are qualified and skilled, they face obstacles that hold them back from getting better jobs and leadership roles in STEM fields.

Addressing the Gender Gap: Moving Towards Equity

To make things fair for everyone in STEM fields, we need a good plan that deals with significant problems, changes wrong ideas, and supports everyone equally. We must work hard to get more women in STEM jobs, make workplaces friendly and caring, and fight against unfair beliefs. These efforts are significant for ensuring men and women have the same chances to do well and help in STEM areas.

Making the gender gap smaller means doing things to get more women interested in STEM jobs, making places where everyone feels accepted and helped, and not letting unfair thoughts affect decisions. These actions are essential for creating a fair world where everyone, regardless of gender, can do well and contribute to STEM fields.

Cultural Perceptions and Societal Expectations

Cultural ideas and what society expects significantly impact how people see women in STEM jobs. Traditional views and stereotypes often decide what jobs women can do and what chances they get. Even though there have been some improvements in making things fairer, old ideas about what men and women should do still affect how Indian society sees women in STEM jobs.

Many people still think STEM jobs are mainly for men, which makes fewer women want to join. Stories and ideas in our culture say that some jobs are only for men or women, which makes it hard for women to get into STEM jobs. To improve things, we need to challenge these old ways of thinking and ensure everyone feels included and respected for their different skills and ideas.

Support Networks and Mentorship

Support groups and programs where people help and guide each other are essential for women in STEM jobs. When women have chances to connect with mentors, join networks, and learn new skills, they can overcome problems and move forward in their STEM careers. Mentorship programs give advice, cheer people on, and connect them with helpful resources and people, giving women what they need to do well in STEM fields.

There are special groups and programs in India for women in STEM jobs. These programs help women share their stories, make friends, speak up for fairness, and include everyone in STEM. By creating friendly places and giving women chances to learn from mentors and meet new people, India can ensure more empowered and diverse professionals in STEM who can bring new ideas and progress.

Policy Interventions and Systemic Reform

Changing rules and making significant system changes are essential for making STEM jobs fairer and giving everyone equal chances. Government rules, actions by schools and companies, and working together with businesses can help break down barriers, deal with unfair treatment, and make sure everyone, no matter who they are, can join in STEM learning and jobs.

In India, there have been efforts to make STEM fairer for everyone. These efforts include giving out scholarships, offering unique opportunities, and trying to hire more women for STEM jobs. Also, rules that let people work flexibly, take time off for family and get help with childcare can make it easier for women to balance work and family life.

Conclusion

Achieving fairness for everyone in STEM fields needs everyone to work together and keep trying hard. By dealing with big problems in the system, changing wrong ideas, and making fair rules, India can use the skills and concepts of all its people to make progress, create new things, and grow sustainably.

Helping women in STEM isn’t just about being fair and treating everyone equally—it’s also crucial for India to grow the economy, use technology better, and be strong in the world. By celebrating differences, being fair to everyone, and giving women chances to join and lead in STEM, India can make a more robust, appropriate, and exciting place for future generations in STEM.

FAQs

1. Can only men excel in math, science, and engineering fields?

No, men and women can excel in math, science, and engineering. Success in these fields depends on individual interest, effort, and ability, not gender. Encouraging equal opportunities and support for everyone can lead to diverse and successful outcomes in these areas.

2. What factors contribute to the perception that only men are good at math, science, and engineering?

The idea that only men are good at math, science, and engineering comes from old beliefs and stereotypes. People used to think that these subjects were more for boys than girls. But now, we know that anyone, regardless of gender, can be good at math, science, and engineering if they work hard and are interested in them. It’s essential to encourage everyone, including girls, to explore these subjects and pursue careers in STEM fields.

3. How do perceptions of gender and ability intersect in the context of math, science, and engineering?      

People often think boys are better in math, science, and engineering because of old beliefs. This makes it harder for girls to feel confident and get opportunities in these subjects. But everyone can be good at math, science, and engineering, regardless of gender. By giving everyone a chance and changing old ideas, we can help everyone succeed in these fields.

4. What societal factors contribute to the perception that only men can succeed in these fields?

Some people think only men can do well in subjects like math, science, and engineering because of old ideas and stereotypes. Seeing few women in these fields makes it seem they are only for men. But everyone, regardless of gender, can be good at math, science, and engineering. We need to change these old ideas and allow everyone to succeed in these fields.

Also Read: 

STEM for Girls: How to Foster a Love for Science Early On?

Why is STEM education crucial for Future job opportunities?

5 Ways K–12 Educators Can Empower Girls to Consider STEM

How can we empower girls in STEM?