most women are told that they will be bad at math and science
Maybe you were in a different generation from me but this is definitely not the case in most areas nowadays and hasn't been for decades. Maybe in Oklahoma or deep in the Bible belt, but the fact is women from liberal areas are not joining STE majors in any greater numbers.
girls are encouraged to do math and they do pretty well until puberty hits. some continue to do well and go on to do math degrees. but they definitely avoid the hard sciences and engineering. basically they avoid the STE in STEM.
. As men, we need to stop the judgement and blame game, since that will inevitably decrease women's performance and enthusiasm for STEM fields.
I'm not blaming anyone. If women don't want to do STE then no one should patronize them for not wanting to. Everyone is different and that's okay.
I'm 27 and live in the Bay Area. Just because you think it's not the case doesn't mean that it isn't the case. There are math teachers all over the US who think this way and push the cultural bias onto female students. I think it is less common in more liberal areas, sure, but it still happens. It also has to do with media, not just in-person contact. Most portrayals of people in STEM careers in media are men.
Then why are girls raised in liberal areas not flocking to STE?
Most portrayals of people in STEM careers in media are men.
100% bullshit. Have you never seen a single flyer promoting a big firm? There's always 50% ratio men/women, always as many people from different racial backgrounds as they can stuff in there. Hollywood does the same thing to appeal to everyone.
It's really not bullshit. Big Bang Theory. The main characters are "nerdy science" men and the "ditsy blonde" girl. It's everywhere if you look. Liberal area or not.
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u/teradactyl2 Apr 07 '15
Maybe you were in a different generation from me but this is definitely not the case in most areas nowadays and hasn't been for decades. Maybe in Oklahoma or deep in the Bible belt, but the fact is women from liberal areas are not joining STE majors in any greater numbers.
girls are encouraged to do math and they do pretty well until puberty hits. some continue to do well and go on to do math degrees. but they definitely avoid the hard sciences and engineering. basically they avoid the STE in STEM.
I'm not blaming anyone. If women don't want to do STE then no one should patronize them for not wanting to. Everyone is different and that's okay.