Analysis of engineering and construction students’ perceptions to explore gender disparity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Gender disparity is an enduring problem in engineering and construction (EC) areas. The main purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of female students in EC programs in the US toward factors impacting their situations and investigate barriers to their academic and professional paths. A quantitative research method was used to measure the perception of participants. In the first phase of this project 369 students participated in a paper-based survey. The results emphasized the effect of role models, by engineering students. The results also highlighted several similarities and differences between male and female students in regard to factors impacting the selection of major and career, such as career characteristics, familiarity with the industry, expected growth, and discrimination that facilitate or impede women’s presence in educational and professional positions.