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Understanding current causes of women's underrepresentation in science
Stephen J Ceci1, Wendy M Williams
1Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. stevececi@cornell.edu
Summary
Recent data suggests sex discrimination is not the primary cause of women's underrepresentation in STEM. Focus should shift to education and policy addressing current factors influencing career choices and participation.
Area of Science:
- STEM fields
- Gender studies
- Sociology of science
Background:
- Historical explanations for women's underrepresentation in math-intensive science fields often cite sex discrimination.
- Policies and programs have been developed based on these claims of discrimination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate claims of sex discrimination in science and their evidentiary basis.
- To identify contemporary determinants of women's underrepresentation in STEM.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical data from the past 20 years.
- Analysis of existing studies on discrimination in academic and professional science settings.
Main Results:
- Current empirical evidence does not support widespread sex discrimination in grant reviewing, interviewing, or hiring.
- Past claims of discrimination may no longer be valid causes for women's underrepresentation.
Conclusions:
- Differential gendered outcomes stem from resource differences linked to choices, influenced by education.
- Focusing on past discrimination is a misplaced effort; contemporary issues require attention.
- Interventions should address current limitations and biological realities through education and policy changes.
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