The (Under)Representation of Women in STEM Careers: The Role of the Self and Emotions in Narrative Research

• In Event: 66.058 - Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: 66.058-3 - Gender Complexities in STEM Education

Abstract

As female participation in Higher Education exceeds that of men in several parts of the world, women remain an untapped resource of employment for science and innovation (OECD, 2006:18). The under-representation of women in STEM is detrimental for the economy and, from an ethical perspective, it fails to meet the historical goal of achieving gender equality in all walks of life, including pay rates and economic independence.
This research aims to investigate factors, challenges and self-conceptions that helped or hindered the career choices of women professional engineers, drawing on the narratives and the educational and career journeys of women who pursued a career in engineering.

Author

• Michela Insenga, Edge Hill University