Chapter 3: Science & Engineering Indicators 93

Factors in Female Underrepresentation

The literature is replete with accounts of comprehensive analyses as to why women are underrepresented in engineering and some of the physical sciences. Most of the research points to differences in the education (Click here for footnote 45.) and socialization of women, and the lack of female scientists and engineers as role models as the primary reasons women have made so little progress in these professions.

Unquestionably, these are all important factors. But they do not explain the remarkable progress women have made in knocking down the barriers to entry in other challenging professions. The best example is the field of medicine. Women have demonstrated their ability to meet the rigorous educational and other requirements necessary to obtain medical degrees in numbers approaching those of men. For example, in 1992, 5,500 women earned medical degrees; in that same year, only 86 U.S. women were awarded doctorates in physics (SRS 1993b).

One of the reasons qualified women and men are choosing careers in medicine (and law and business) over those in science and engineering is obvious--salaries are higher. In addition, some researchers have been digging deeper, searching for other clues. Some of the most promising inquiries in this area appear to be those scrutinizing the image of science and engineering as portrayed in the media and other forms of popular culture (see Augustine 1991).

Footnote 45:

For example, Vetter (1990) sees lack of preparation and proficiency in mathematics as the single most important barrier precluding women from engineering careers.

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