Underrepresentation In STEM

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Pages: 2

Today, in the United States women’s underrepresentation in STEM careers persists. In 2011, thirteen percent of STEM workers were women (“Women’s Employment”). Over the past fifty years the number of women with STEM degrees has increased, but women still struggle for acceptance in STEM careers. While some cite men’s innate ability to excel in math and science and women’s lack of interest in STEM fields as responsible for discouraging women’s pursuit of those careers, nevertheless, the American culture deters women from entering math and science fields because of adverse stereotypes; the media’s negative portrayal of women scientists and mathematicians; and disadvantageous work environment.
Some contend males are naturally gifted in science and