Member Article

Gender divide emerges in new STEM research

New research has revealed that a gender divide continues to exist when it comes to pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) subjects even at an early age.
Populus Select was commissioned by NYBEP, a not-for-profit organisation which works in partnership with business and education, to carry out the study. The study evaluated the understanding and enjoyment of STEM subjects among children at a selection of primary schools in North Yorkshire. The findings included: • More boys than girls are interested in pursuing a career in STEM – 25 percent compared to 19 percent • Girls attracted to STEM were more likely to want to become vets and marine biologists • No female pupils wanted to become an engineer • Boys interested in a STEM-related profession specified technical engineering roles, such as a mechanic.
• Students had some understanding of what scientists do with most answering ‘doing experiments’ and ‘finding things out’. • The Covid pandemic seems to have increased awareness of life sciences with a significant proportion of young people saying that scientists produce vaccines or make people well • The word engineer was associated with a technical role such as a car mechanic or a plumber The findings are somewhat at odds with the fact that more than 90 percent of girls agreed with the statement ‘boys and girls can do the same job’.
Donna James, Popular Select research director, said: “There are some misconceptions, such as STEM-focused professions being more suitable for men and engineering having a ‘oil-covered mechanic’ image, that seem very difficult to shift. “There also is some disconnect between girls’ belief that they can aspire to and are capable of the same jobs as their male counterparts and a desire to pursue a similar STEM career path. “This all demonstrates the need for better promotion of and engagement with girls about the STEM sector being a fulfilling, stimulating, worhtwhile career.” Yvonne Emerson from NYBEP said: “Unless more inroads are made in changing female pupils’ attitudes towards STEM subjects, women are going to continue to be underrepresented in this field. “The message needs to be hammered home that women can and, indeed, do, succeed in these professions.” NYBEP works in partnership with schools and businesses across Yorkshire, Humber and the North East to drive economic growth by helping people to flourish, developing skills and nurturing talent of the future. Populus Select specialises in professional and executive level roles in the North East of England, and national and internationally. It also carries out research on behalf of a range of organisations.

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