Women in Engineering: 20-Year Literature Review
Description
The Society of Women Engineers has been conducting an annual literature review since 2001 to better understand the factors affecting our ability to increase gender diversity in the engineering and technical fields. This year, the SWE literature review authors look back at 20 years of research to identify general trends, particularly in what ways research themes have changed over time, what issues remain in dispute, and where opportunities exist for further research.
Resources
- Download presentation slides.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: What type of organizations would sponsor/conduct studies of non-academic workplace experiences for women engineers?
A: SWE has been fortunate to have support for our research into non-academic workplace experiences from our corporate partners, specifically SWE’s Corporate Partnership Council. The CPC funded our gender and racial bias research, both in the U.S. and in India. The National Science Foundation has also awarded a grant to SWE to support the creation of the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative (WCEC), an initiative aimed at advancing women of color in the engineering workforce. The strategic plan for the WCEC will include some research activities, but we are still developing our strategic plan. We will consider a variety of sources to help implement our planned activities, including NSF, foundations, and corporate partners.
Q: Have there been studies on the effect of STEM representation in TV programs or social media in providing broader role models that encourage considering STEM careers?
A: SWE conducted an NSF-funded literature review in 2018 on engineering messaging to tween girls. That might be a good place to start. I would also suggest looking at reports out of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. The Institute looks at gender and race representation in the media, with some work specifically focused on STEM.
Resources
- Download presentation slides.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: What type of organizations would sponsor/conduct studies of non-academic workplace experiences for women engineers?
A: SWE has been fortunate to have support for our research into non-academic workplace experiences from our corporate partners, specifically SWE’s Corporate Partnership Council. The CPC funded our gender and racial bias research, both in the U.S. and in India. The National Science Foundation has also awarded a grant to SWE to support the creation of the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative (WCEC), an initiative aimed at advancing women of color in the engineering workforce. The strategic plan for the WCEC will include some research activities, but we are still developing our strategic plan. We will consider a variety of sources to help implement our planned activities, including NSF, foundations, and corporate partners.
Q: Have there been studies on the effect of STEM representation in TV programs or social media in providing broader role models that encourage considering STEM careers?
A: SWE conducted an NSF-funded literature review in 2018 on engineering messaging to tween girls. That might be a good place to start. I would also suggest looking at reports out of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. The Institute looks at gender and race representation in the media, with some work specifically focused on STEM.
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