ERIC Number: EJ870103
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1938-9809
EISSN: N/A
The Blue Blazer Club: Masculine Hegemony in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Fields
Page, Melanie C.; Bailey, Lucy E.; Van Delinder, Jean
Forum on Public Policy Online, v2009 n2 2009
The under-representation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields is of continuing concern, as is the lack of women in senior positions and leadership roles. During a time of increasing demand for science and engineering enterprise, the lack of women and minorities in these academic disciplines needs to be addressed by concentrated institutional attention and resources. Although the overall historical gender inequity in earned doctorates is decreasing, women remain underrepresented in scientific and engineering disciplines in the workforce and in faculty positions. Given the gendered patterns evident in engineering and STEM academic disciplines, it is important to consider the factors contributing to these phenomena, including the interplay between work and family constraints in academic careers. Rather than simply male dominance or individual preferences or capacities, this under-representation in STEM is also due to "deep seated" gender barriers, such as the persistent belief in gender differences in abilities which maintains the status quo and affirms current inequalities as "natural." Our paper focuses on hegemonic masculinities in organizations to better understand the institutionalization of gender inequalities. (Contains 1 footnote.)
Descriptors: Females, Disproportionate Representation, Gender Issues, Science Education, Technology Education, Engineering Education, Mathematics Education, Group Dynamics, Leadership, Women Scientists, Gender Differences, Gender Bias, Barriers, Masculinity, Power Structure, Peer Acceptance, Sex Fairness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A