Next-Generation Engineers? Examining Factors That Shape Young Women's Engineering Identity and Intentions

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

Abstract

This study focuses on girls who are members of SWENext, an organization for high school girls with the Society for Women Engineers (SWE). As young women interested in engineering, they share what can be considered an ‘exceptional’ status, standing as an exception to prevailing gender norms. Yet given the many known obstacles to persistence in engineering, they are nevertheless at high risk of being discouraged and dissuaded. Our analyses consider how both positive and negative messages from male and female friends and parents are associated with the strength of girls’ engineering identity and intentions, as well as considers the role of girls’ own gender identity. Overall, results demonstrate the complexity of how gender matters in these young women’s lives.

Authors

• Catherine C. Riegle-Crumb, The University of Texas

• Ursula Nguyen, The University of Texas at Austin

• Tatiane Russo-Tait, The University of Texas at Austin