“I’m Not Good at Math,” She Said: Gender and Engineering Majors

Authors

  • Astrid K. Northrup Northwest College
  • Andrea C. Burrows University of Wyoming

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v20i10.3657

Keywords:

Higher Education, women in engineering, selection of major, perception of ability, family of origin

Abstract

Research indicates that women underestimate their math and science ability. This underestimation leads to a perennial under-representation of women in engineering. Self-perception of ability, not ability itself, is the main barrier to women when it comes to studying engineering and physical science. Even when women are given equal opportunities to men, they tend to self-select and not pursue engineering. This paper explores causes of this phenomenon, and ideas for reversing the trend. The original data presented here indicates that family of origin configuration can be a predictor of choice of college major, especially for women choosing engineering.

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Published

2020-12-04

How to Cite

Northrup, A. K., & Burrows, A. C. (2020). “I’m Not Good at Math,” She Said: Gender and Engineering Majors. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 20(10). https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v20i10.3657

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Section

Articles