Closing the Gender Gap in STEM: Insights from Gen Z Survey
Closing the gender interest gap in STEM is a pressing issue, as revealed by a recent survey from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation Despite ongoing efforts, Gen Z girls still display significantly less interest in STEM subjects compared to boys To bridge this gap, more focused initiatives are crucial
Despite extensive efforts to promote STEM careers to young women, a recent survey by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation revealed that Gen Z girls are significantly less interested in STEM subjects compared to boys, indicating a need to address the gender gap. In the survey, which focuses on individuals born between 1997 and 2011, only 63% of females expressed interest in life and physical sciences, technology, engineering, and math, while 85% of males showed interest in at least one of these areas.
Women represent 50% of the college-educated workforce in the US but only make up 34% of the STEM workforce, indicating a significant underrepresentation in fast-growing STEM sectors such as computer science. Despite efforts to encourage the participation of girls and young women in STEM, the disparity persists. Increasing the representation of women in STEM fields is crucial for reducing the gender pay gap and bolstering the US economy, according to the survey.
The survey revealed a significant gender gap among Gen Zers regarding their interest in careers in engineering, computers/technology, and math. Men were 28 percentage points more likely than women to express interest in engineering and computers/technology, and 10 percentage points more likely to show interest in math careers. However, both genders demonstrated similar interest in careers in life and physical science. These findings are the latest in Gallups' "Voices of Gen Z" series, covering a range of issues including mental health, well-being, concerns about the future, and college affordability. The report was based on a Gallup Panel web survey of 2,006 12- to 26-year-olds conducted from September 11 to 19.
According to the report, girls are more likely than boys to report being exposed to fewer fundamental concepts related to STEM subjects such as computer science and physics during their middle and high school studies. "The level of interest that young people have in pursuing STEM as a college major or career is heavily influenced by their K-12 classroom experiences," said Zach Hrynowski, a Gallup education researcher. "Exposure to these subjects is a significant factor in shaping their aspirations."
Women are almost 20% more likely than men to express disinterest in pursuing a STEM career due to their belief that they would not excel in that field, according to Gallup. On the other hand, men are more likely to attribute their lack of interest in STEM careers to a lack of knowledge about them. Both male and female Gen Zers are equally likely to claim that they do not enjoy STEM subjects. This survey is consistent with earlier studies that indicate female students are significantly less likely than their male counterparts to feel confident in their ability to learn computer science and to view it as important for them to learn, Gallup reports.
Mentors Matter
The National Science Foundation estimates 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of math and science skills.
Hrynowski emphasized the importance of providing more girls and young women with the opportunity to explore and learn about STEM subjects, as well as connect with women working in STEM. She stated that this is crucial for women to showcase their capability to excel in these fields. "Having mentors who resemble you is crucial, whether it's for underserved or underrepresented groups based on ethnicity, income, or gender. Seeing more young women in these roles will encourage more women to pursue them," Hrynowski explained.
The survey revealed that an almost equal number of Gen Z males and females reported that their schools encouraged them to pursue STEM careers, provided opportunities to learn about those careers, and supported participation in STEM-related extracurricular activities. However, the report concluded that the difference in exposure likely stemmed from females being less inclined to take STEM-related coursework and participate in extracurricular activities that prepare them for STEM careers.
The report emphasized the need for further efforts to enhance girls' access to STEM education, support their STEM learning in secondary and post-secondary education, eliminate obstacles to pursuing STEM roles, and expand the pool of qualified candidates for high-paying, sought-after STEM careers.
