Final answer:
c. Gender-based discrimination
Women may leave STEM fields because of gender-based discrimination, inclusive of stereotypes and barriers like the glass ceiling and pay gaps, along with unwelcoming workplace cultures. Such discrimination reduces diversity in these fields, which can have wider economic impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant reason women may leave STEM fields is due to gender-based discrimination and the challenges it presents in these areas. The gender gap in tech is well-documented, with the U.S. Department of Commerce reporting that gender stereotyping is a significant contributor to the disparity.
This is characterized by a bias toward men as the gatekeepers of technological knowledge and is reinforced by media coverage that focuses on women's appearances over their skills and accomplishments. Additionally, the persistent disparities, such as the glass ceiling and wage gaps, coupled with societal conditioning and lack of support, exacerbate the situation. For example, Nobel Prize winner Tim Hunt's comments in 2015, suggesting women are too emotional for science, highlight the kind of prejudice they face.
Workplace culture is also influential, as it can often be unwelcoming or even openly hostile toward women, as highlighted by the experiences of Lydia Villa-Komaroff who, despite facing discrimination, made significant contributions to biology and biotechnology.
When women are underrepresented and underpaid, not only does it have a personal impact, but it also drives down broader economic growth, as noted by economist Lisa D. Cook's research, which suggests GDP could be significantly higher if women and people from minority populations were fully able to participate in the innovation process.