Addressing the STEM Gender Gap: The Influence of Stereotypes on the Retention of Adolescent Women in Math and Science

Abstract

In this review article, I present summaries of past reviews of the literature on the topic of women in STEM as well as recent statistics on gender differences in STEM fields globally and in Canada. I review the main findings of a collection of recent studies on gender differences in attitudes towards math and science, and discuss how these may be affected by overarching stereotypes about gender and STEM. I conclude by presenting key concepts and arguments from recent literature with regards to what can be done at the school level to combat gender and STEM stereotypes and ensure that support exists for young women with an aptitude and interest to pursue science and math.