Why are Less Women Choosing to Work in STEM-Related Fields?

In society, women pursuing STEM careers often face admiration tinged with surprise. They frequently encounter remarks like, "I can’t believe you're working with all these men" or "I thought you were going to work in healthcare." Despite their prevalence, these stereotypes are very harmful in today’s world. Such comments can undermine women's confidence, leading them to question their identities and perpetuating gender inequality.

Consequently, workplace equality remains a contentious issue for both men and women, who experience markedly different environments. Women often face a more hostile workplace environment characterized by a significant pay gap, even when performing the same jobs. According to the American Association of University Women, men in STEM fields earn nearly $15,000 more annually than women ($85,000 compared to $60,828). Many women express dissatisfaction with this disparity, yet senior employers often overlook the issue unless a determined woman actively advocates for income equality.

Moreover, discrimination against women in STEM workplaces is prevalent and challenging. They often struggle to gain recognition because their male counterparts, deemed more "competent," are favored by authorities and those in higher positions. According to a 2017 survey by the Pew Research Center, many women reported experiencing various forms of gender discrimination in STEM jobs. This includes earning less than men for the same work (29%), being treated as incompetent (29%), facing repeated subtle biases in the workplace (20%), and receiving less support from senior leaders compared to their male counterparts (18%).This unfortunate reality discourages many women from entering or remaining in STEM fields, exacerbating gender inequality. Over time, more women are becoming self-reliant and reducing their reliance on men to combat this gap. As a result, tensions between genders have escalated, with women facing significantly greater challenges in their pursuit of success compared to men.

It's not only challenging for women to succeed in the workplace, but the expectations placed upon them are often unrealistic. Balancing a thriving career with motherhood is nearly impossible for many women. A study conducted by the National Science Foundation's Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System in 2010 highlighted significant disparities: 16% of women across all fields were working part-time and 15% had exited the workforce after becoming parents, compared to only 2% and 3% for men, respectively (Science Careers). Early parenthood poses a particularly tough dilemma for women, as full-time work is difficult to manage alongside childcare responsibilities unless they have access to daycare services. Many women face the challenging choice between spending time with their children and working full-time solely to cover daycare costs, often resulting in part-time employment. However, most STEM careers demand full-time commitments, typically involving 60-80 hours per week, which places a heavy burden on employees. As a result, many women who prioritize family life gravitate towards jobs that offer greater flexibility to accommodate their schedules and daily life demands.

In today's society, with increasing numbers of women entering the workforce and opting for STEM careers, there is a pressing need for change. Currently, these fields are predominantly led by men who often overlook the diverse responsibilities of women and fail to provide them with flexible arrangements. To encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM, adjustments must be made, beginning with equal pay, eliminating double standards, and fostering greater flexibility from employers.