Exploring the Gender Bias Experienced by Engineering Faculty

• In Event: Investigating Gender and Sexuality in the Academy

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify patterns of implicit gender bias that females working as engineering faculty face in the workplace. Using data collected from a larger study on engineers conducted by the Center for WorkLife Law, UC Hastings College of the Law, and the Society of Women Engineers in 2016, this paper focuses on the responses of 335 female and male engineers working in academia.

Using the four basic patterns of implicit bias defined by Williams & Dempsey (2014), this study offers insights into the personal experiences of female engineers in academia. Data show that compared to males, female engineering faculty reported higher level of Prove-It-Again bias, Tightrope bias, Tug-of-war bias, and maternal wall bias.

Authors

• Roberta Rincon, Society of Women Engineers

• Joan Williams

• Su Li

• Rachel Korn, UC Hastings College of the Law