Allies or Advocates? Men for Women in STEM

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Gender and STEM

Abstract

The effort to increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) has garnered much attention. Many solutions have been offered, yet, most of these solutions exclude men. Understanding what causes men to identify as advocates is important, as men comprise the majority of leadership positions and can affect the representation of women in STEM. This qualitative study, which utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis, examined the experiences of 20 undergraduate students in STEM. Results demonstrate that men who identify as advocates engage in efforts more so as allies, supporting women passively. Additional findings indicate that men still carry unconscious gender bias and a sense of uncertainty regarding how best to influence culture, which can hinder advocacy efforts.

Author

• Danielle V. Lewis, University at Buffalo - SUNY