“I’m Not Good at Math,” She Said: Gender and Engineering Majors

Abstract

Research indicates that women underestimate their math and science ability. This underestimation leads to a perennial under-representation of women in engineering. Self-perception of ability, not ability itself, is the main barrier to women when it comes to studying engineering and physical science. Even when women are given equal opportunities to men, they tend to self-select and not pursue engineering. This paper explores causes of this phenomenon, and ideas for reversing the trend. The original data presented here indicates that family of origin configuration can be a predictor of choice of college major, especially for women choosing engineering.