Characteristics of Gifted Women in Male-Dominated STEM Fields

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Seventeen
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent SIG Roundtable: STEM (Table 9)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to inquire into the expression and development of characteristics associated with female talent within a professional context in male-dominated STEM fields in Chile. A feminist phenomenological approach was adopted and women from two male-dominated STEM fields were recruited to participate on 3 group interviews. Results show that for women in these fields, the conception of female talent is highly centered in socioemotional traits rather than intellect, in a highly competitive and male-centered environment where they are constantly challenged in their knowledge and abilities. Of critical importance is to broaden the conceptualization of female talent considering a wider spectrum of characteristics that integrates both academic and professional contexts and different developmental stages.

Authors

• Maria Paz Gomez-Arizaga, Universidad de Santiago de Chile
  Presenting Author

• Annjeanette Martin, Universidad de los Andes
  Presenting Author

• Leonor Conejeros-Solar, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso
  Non-Presenting Author

• Karin Roa, Universidad de los Andes
  Non-Presenting Author

• Marianela Navarro, Universidad de los Andes
  Non-Presenting Author

• Marieta Valdivia-Lefort
  Non-Presenting Author

• Carla Bravo
  Non-Presenting Author