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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
08:35
Interactive and Visualized Online Experimentation System for Engineering Education and Research
Published on: November 24, 2021
Summary
Most women in science and engineering participate in the workforce, though many work outside their fields. Key factors influencing their careers include education, parental status, and field of study.
Area of Science:
- Science and Engineering Workforce Dynamics
- Gender Disparities in STEM Careers
Background:
- Significant proportion of women trained in science/engineering are in the labor force.
- Many women are employed outside their trained scientific or engineering fields.
- Labor force withdrawal is often temporary, with many continuing careers despite having young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze factors influencing labor force participation of women in science and engineering.
- To identify barriers and disparities in employment opportunities and outcomes for women in STEM.
- To suggest policy improvements and data collection needs for monitoring women's participation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of labor force participation data for women with science/engineering training.
- Examination of factors including student status, degree level, parental status, and child age.
- Comparative analysis of employment opportunities, unemployment rates, and earnings between genders.
Main Results:
- Approximately 80% of women trained in science/engineering are in the labor force.
- Common reasons for leaving the workforce are temporary, with many not taking career breaks for childcare.
- Key influencing factors include student status, highest degree, parental status, child age, and field of degree.
- Women face restricted employment opportunities, higher unemployment, and lower earnings compared to men in STEM fields.
Conclusions:
- Policy interventions are needed to enhance opportunities for women in science and engineering.
- Improved data collection is crucial for effectively monitoring women's participation and progress in STEM.
- Addressing field-specific restrictions and gender-based disparities is essential for equitable workforce participation.
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