"Are You Sure Engineering Is for Me?" Latina Engineering Students' Narratives of Uncertainty

• In Event: 60.084 - Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 60.084-4 - Cultivating a Sense of Belonging in Higher Education

Abstract

This qualitative study addresses the issue of gender inequality in engineering by examining narratives of uncertainty afforded by Latina engineering students. Taking a sociocultural stance on identity coupled with a linguistic approach to narrative inquiry, we analyze ten narratives in which Latinas highlighted struggles that made them question their identities as engineers. Occurring at different points in time and across various spaces (i.e., math and physics classes), those struggles caused Latinas to doubt their choice of major, and in some cases, even consider leaving STEM related fields. Findings suggested that cultural resources such as the support from professors and peers as well as parental support, particularly from mothers, were critical to Latinas’ decision to continue authoring themselves in engineering.

Authors

• Alberto Esquinca, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Luciene Soares Wandermurem, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Elsa Quiroz Villa, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Elaine M. Hampton, The University of Texas - El Paso