Open AccessGender stereotypes about interests start early and cause gender disparities in computer science and engineering
Author(s) -
Allison Master,
Andrew N. Meltzoff,
Sapna Cheryan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2100030118
Subject(s) - stereotype (uml) , stereotype threat , psychology , ethnic group , social psychology , white (mutation) , adolescent development , developmental psychology , gender studies , sociology , biochemistry , chemistry , anthropology , gene
Significance Societal stereotypes that girls are less interested than boys in computer science and engineering are endorsed by children and adolescents in a large and socioeconomically diverse sample, across multiple racial/ethnic and gender intersections, and as early as age six (first grade). Gender-interest stereotypes may contribute to subsequent gender disparities in the pursuit of these societally important fields. Addressing interest stereotypes may help improve educational equity.