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Systemic inequalities for LGBTQ professionals in STEM.
1Department of Sociology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. ecech@umich.edu.
Science Advances
|February 1, 2021
Summary
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) face significant career disadvantages, including harassment and devaluation. These inequalities persist across STEM fields, impacting job satisfaction and retention.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of Science
- Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
- LGBTQ+ Studies
Background:
- Decades of research highlight racial and gender disparities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
- The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) professionals within STEM remain less understood.
- This study investigates whether LGBTQ+ individuals encounter similar systemic disadvantages in STEM careers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the multidimensional nature of inequality faced by LGBTQ+ professionals in STEM.
- To compare the experiences of LGBTQ+ STEM professionals with their non-LGBTQ+ peers across various indicators.
- To identify specific dimensions of disadvantage, including career limitations, harassment, and professional devaluation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized representative survey data from 25,324 professionals across 21 STEM professional societies.
- Included 1006 self-identified LGBTQ+ professionals in the analysis.
- Employed statistical controls for demographic, disciplinary, and job-related factors to isolate the impact of LGBTQ+ status.
Main Results:
- LGBTQ+ STEM professionals reported higher rates of career limitations, harassment, and professional devaluation compared to non-LGBTQ+ peers.
- Individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ experienced more frequent health difficulties and expressed a greater intention to leave STEM careers.
- No significant differences were observed based on LGBTQ+ status concerning education level, work effort, or job commitment.
Conclusions:
- LGBTQ+ status represents a distinct axis of inequality within STEM fields.
- The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address systemic disadvantages faced by LGBTQ+ professionals.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these observed inequalities in STEM.
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