Catch 22 - improving visibility of women in science and engineering for both recruitment and retention

Fogg-Rogers, Laura; Hobbs, Laura

Abstract

There is a significant under-representation of women in STEM which is damaging societal progress for democratic, utilitarian, and equity reasons. However, changing stereotypes in STEM requires a solution denied by the problem-more visible female role models. Science communicators are critical to curate the conditions to bypass this Catch 22. We propose that enhancing self-efficacy for female scientists and engineers to mentor others will generate more supportive workplaces. Similarly, enhancing self-efficacy for public engagement improves the visibility of diverse female role models for young girls. These social connections will ultimately improve the science capital of girls and other minorities in STEM.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 12, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Sep 30, 2019
• Publication Date: Sep 30, 2019
• Deposit Date: Oct 17, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 17, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Science Communication
• Electronic ISSN: 1824-2049
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: CO5
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22323/2.18040305
• Keywords: Women in STEM; representation; self-efficacy
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/3573348
• Publisher URL: https://jcom.sissa.it/archive/18/04/JCOM_1804_2019_C01/JCOM_1804_2019_C05