Gender and access to STEM education and occupations in a cross-national context with a focus on Poland

Abstract

ABSTRACT A comparative gender framework and cross-national data are used to examine women’s access to STEM education in Poland and cross-nationally. The transition to STEM occupations is also considered. Findings on indicators of girl’s achievement in STEM education at the secondary level in Poland show gender imbalance, but Poland is doing better than some countries. With regard to STEM occupations, Poland is among the countries with the lowest representation of women. Country level socio-economic, cultural and political factors including GNP, number of women in Parliament, gender inequality, overall equality, and religion are examined as possible factors associated with these trends in Poland and elsewhere. Detailed Polish data are used to provide additional insights into girls’ and women’s access to STEM education and ultimately occupations in Poland. The Polish data show areas for improvement but also areas of success. The research is placed in the context of Poland’s unique historical, cultural, political, and socio-economic arrangements.