Father's Profession Predicts Academic Outcomes for Women in STEM

Authors

Christopher BachFollow
Bettina Casad, University of Missouri-St. Louis

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Bettina Casad

Final Abstract for URS Program

Underrepresentation of Women in STEM

Despite earning a larger percentage of bachelor’s degrees than men, women earn less than half of bachelor’s degrees in most science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields (Casad, Petzel, & Ingalls, 2018). STEM fields are often high earning, highly innovative professions, and therefore underrepresentation of women in STEM is a concern (Burke, 2007; Hossain & Robinson, 2012).

Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and STEM Outcomes

Positive attitudes about math at a young age positively correlate with entrance into math related classes, leading to higher math self-efficacy and greater intent to pursue STEM careers (Wang, 2013). Because math self-efficacy tends to be lower among women students than men students (Wang, 2013), it is likely a strong factor in the underrepresentation of women in STEM.

Role Models and STEM Outcomes

Previous research shows a positive correlation between parental education level and women’s pursuit of STEM careers (Guyette & Mullen, 2006). Additionally, parental impact is predictive of math self-efficacy and math-attitudes (Casad, 2015). Because self-efficacy in a particular subject is predictive of course and career selection (Jacobs, 2005), this relationship warrants further exploration.

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2020