Question

Using the EBSCO article you reviewed about women and STEM majors and your 21C experiences, assess the possible causes for women to drop STEM majors with the same grades as men who persisted.

a. It was found that the men cheated.
b. Women did not have the correct required courses going in.
c. It is possible men had study groups and mentor support the women did not have.
d. Women were too competitive. Women were too competitive.

Answer 1

Possible causes for women to drop STEM majors with the same grades as men who persisted include gender stereotyping, lack of support systems, and barriers affecting confidence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The possible causes for women to drop STEM majors with the same grades as men who persisted can be assessed using various factors. One reason for the gender gap in STEM fields is gender stereotyping, which acknowledges the bias toward men as keepers of technological knowledge. This bias can discourage women from pursuing STEM subjects or lead to feelings of exclusion or underrepresentation.

Another possible cause is the lack of support systems like study groups and mentorship for women in STEM majors. Men may have access to study groups and mentor support that women do not, which can contribute to their persistence in these majors.

It is essential to note that attributing the drop in STEM majors to women being too competitive is not a valid cause. Research suggests that women face barriers that can affect their confidence and make them less likely to pursue or persist in STEM fields.

Answer 2

Possible reasons for women dropping out of STEM majors include gender stereotyping, a lack of mentor support and study groups, and historical societal pressures. Addressing these issues involves increasing awareness and support for women in these fields.

Step-by-step explanation:

The possible causes for women to drop STEM majors despite having the same grades as men who persisted are multifaceted. One significant factor is gender stereotyping, which positions men as default experts in technological and scientific fields. This bias is not only nurtured by societal norms but also perpetuated by media representation that often emphasizes women's appearance over their skills and accomplishments, thereby undermining their confidence and sense of belonging in STEM fields.

Support systems play a crucial role in the persistence of students in challenging majors. The potential lack of mentor support and inclusion in study groups can disproportionately affect women in STEM, making it more difficult for them to access the resources and encouragement needed to persevere through tough courses. Additionally, societal pressures and historical patterns have long funneled women into certain careers, sometimes at the expense of opportunities in fields like science and engineering.

Lastly, there are initiatives by organizations such as the AAUW and NASA that aim to encourage young girls and women in science and technology fields. It is crucial to increase awareness of the contributions of women in STEM, to provide role models, and to foster an environment where young girls are supported in pursuing their interests in these areas from an early age.