Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Is For Everyone, Especially Women: Analyzing the Responses to the Marginalization of Women in STEM Fields

Abstract

Historically, women in North America have faced many barriers to pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and/or career because of the marginalization they experience. Although there has been some progress, women are still subject to discrimination in the STEM field today. Even after pursuing a STEM career, women are met with unequal standards and hostile environments that make it difficult for them to make advancements in their careers. This paper focuses on what makes an effective response to overcome this issue and evaluates the current responses made to combat the problem. Any response that attempts to overcome the marginalization of women in STEM must respond to the biases and double standards created by gender roles and hegemonic masculinity. It must also address the unreasonable expectations placed on women in STEM that undermine their confidence levels and sense of credibility that contribute to them being isolated and segregated within the field. In addition, the response must respond to the sexual harassment and the lack of underrepresented minorities (the role of intersectionality) in the STEM field. The current responses that have tackled this issue have only focused on repressing one or two factors that contribute to the problem, even though several contributors cause the problem to persist. Ultimately, this has reduced the efficacy of the response. Yet, there is an urgent need to increase and ensure women’s participation in STEM and their motivation to stay in the field and to do so requires effective responses to be implemented.