College Students' Views of Work-Life Balance in STEM Research Careers: Addressing Negative Preconceptions.
Anna Tan-Wilson1, Nancy Stamp1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University-SUNY, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000.
CBE Life Sciences Education
|July 12, 2015
Summary
Female undergraduates perceive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers as incompatible with family life. Presenting dual-career STEM role models significantly shifted perceptions, showing STEM research is no harder than other careers.
Area of Science:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Background:
- Undergraduate women perceive STEM research careers as requiring sacrifices in family life.
- Both male and female students view STEM research paths as less family-friendly compared to other professions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address perceptions of work-life balance challenges in STEM research careers.
- To provide relatable role models for achieving work-life balance in STEM.
Main Methods:
- Convened panels of dual-career couples in STEM professions.
- Selected panelists and discussion topics based on social science research on work-life balance.
- Administered pre- and post-panel surveys to assess student perceptions.
Main Results:
- Initial student perceptions indicated STEM research careers pose significant work-life balance difficulties, particularly regarding parental leave and childcare.
- Post-panel surveys revealed a significant shift in both male and female students' views.
- Students' perceptions changed towards viewing STEM research careers as equally manageable as other professions regarding work-life balance.
Conclusions:
- Presenting dual-career STEM professionals as role models can positively alter student perceptions of work-life balance in STEM.
- Interventions highlighting successful work-life integration can mitigate perceived barriers to pursuing STEM research careers.
- Addressing specific concerns like parental leave and childcare is crucial for improving the family-friendliness perception of STEM.
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