"Maybe This Isn't for Me": Women's Perceptions of Empathy and Belongingness Informing Their Major Choice

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: When and Where Do Women Enter in STEM Related Careers

Abstract

As women remain underrepresented in engineering fields, continued investigation into the factors that influence the disproportionate gender enrollment in STEM fields is still warranted. This qualitative study sought to examine how undergraduate women’s personal values inform their major choice at a Mid-south research university. Using person-environment fit theory, focus groups and interviews were analyzed to decipher what role empathy and departmental culture played in selecting their major. Through thematic analysis, findings revealed two major themes related to the topic of interest: engineering is perceived as empathetic, yet engineers themselves are not. Rather, the environment and the personality fit matter in women’s satisfaction with their major choice. These findings are presented along with discussion and implications for universities and their partners.

Authors

• Shelby Gayle Roberts, The University of Memphis

• Wesam M. Salem, University of Memphis

• Eddie Jacobs, The University of Memphis

• Yonghong Jade Xu, The University of Memphis

• Amy L. de Jongh Curry, The University of Memphis

• Carmen Astorne-Figari, The University of Memphis

• Russell Deaton, The University of Memphis