Lining the Nest: The Influence of Network Homophily on STEM Degree Commitment for LGBTQ Students

• In Event: Assessing Initiatives and Innovations in STEM

Abstract

Employment projections emphasize the need to confer more STEM degrees, but current research has not examined how the composition of students’ social networks may affect their likelihood of persisting in a STEM major. The purpose of this study is to test the relationship between homophily of STEM-majoring peers in STEM students’ social networks and those students’ commitment to their major, as well as how this relationship differs between LGBTQ STEM students and their heterosexual, cisgender peers. Through egocentric social network analysis, we found STEM homophily may promote greater commitment to STEM for heterosexual students, as well as for cisgender women. Network homophily reproduces the advantages of those with privilege; diverse networks could distribute opportunities more equitably.

Authors

• Bryce Edward Hughes, Montana State University
  Presenting Author

• Sidrah MG MGWatson, Montana State University
  Presenting Author

• Leilani Contos, Montana State University
  Presenting Author

• Sarah Heller, Montana State University
  Presenting Author