Factors Influencing Female Participation in STEM Fields: New Insights From Longitudinal Data

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Researchers from psychology, sociology, economics, math education, and higher education present new findings on gendered participation in STEM (and non-STEM) fields using different longitudinal datasets. First, Jacquelynne Eccles (UM-Ann Arbor) will present findings from 25 years of longitudinal data exploring linkages between values, interests, STEM participation, and gender. Second, Joseph Robinson (UI-Urbana-Champaign) will present findings from a study that combines nationally representative longitudinal data with public-perception data to explore which specific features of majors are associated with lower female participation. Third, Catherine Riegle-Crumb (UT-Austin) will present on the extent to which social and academic supports may help retain females and racial/ethnic-minorities in STEM. Fourth, Sarah Lubienski (UI-Urbana-Champaign) will discuss. The collection of presentations offers original insights for broadening STEM participation.

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education / Section 6: Society, Culture, and Change

Chair

• Joseph P. Robinson-Cimpian, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Papers

• Gender Segregation Across the Sciences - Jacquelynne Eccles, University of California - Irvine; Ming-Te Wang, University of Pittsburgh; Yi-Miau Tsai, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor; Meeta Banerjee, Michigan State University

• Gender Equity in College Majors: Looking Beyond the STEM/non-STEM Dichotomy for Answers Regarding Female Participation - Joseph P. Robinson-Cimpian, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Colleen M. Ganley, Florida State University; Casey E. George-Jackson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Martha Makowski, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Staying the Course in STEM: How Academic Achievement and Social Inclusion Shape Persistence by Gender and Race/Ethnicity - Catherine C. Riegle-Crumb, The University of Texas; Barbara Anne King, Florida International University; Karisma Morton, The University of Texas

Discussant

• Sarah Theule Lubienski, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign