The Gendered Future of STEM? Challenges Revealed by Girls' Aspirations for Careers Requiring Calculus

• In Event: Interventions Influencing Student Sucess
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Gender in STEM

Abstract

Gender disparities in senior secondary mathematics participation persist across the OECD, with social justice and economic repercussions. With recent evidence that the perceived need for future career/study is one of the most important reasons for choosing a senior school subject, we add to the literature on girls’ and mathematics participation by examining their aspirations for careers requiring a university degree which assumes knowledge of Year 12 calculus. Results from our large Australian sample highlight a paucity of female interest in such careers and that strongly gendered interests and career motivations exist from a relatively early age (12 to 18). These trends may be more alarming than commonly understood and we argue that they are likely to persist without significant intervention.

Authors

• Felicia Jaremus, The University of Newcastle

• Jennifer M. Gore, The University of Newcastle

• Leanne Fray, The University of Newcastle

• Adam Lloyd, The University of Newcastle

• Elena Prieto, University of Newcastle/School of Education