What Are Saudi Girls' Stereotypes of Being a Scientist or Physicist?

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 40
  In Roundtable Session: The Science Gender Gap: Impactful Factors and Potential Interventions

Abstract

Compared to five decades ago, Saudi society has changed; girls can become teachers, business-women or even scientists. However becoming a scientist is less common for Saudi girls compared to girls in western societies. In this paper, we investigated Saudi girls’ perceived stereotypes of a scientist or physicist. Data were collected by questionnaire to examine students’ perceptions of what is the stereotype of a Saudi girl scientist. Data were obtained from 800 students from seven girls’ high and intermediate schools in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. The results identified three latent factors: Intelligence and Motivation, Physical, Social and Emotional Attractiveness, and Social Competence. The details of these three factors and what the findings imply for science education in Saudi Arabia are discussed.

Authors

• David F. Treagust, Curtin University

• Reem Ahmed AlGhamdi, Curtin University

• Venkat Rao Vishnumolakala, Curtin University

• Mihye Won, Curtin University