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A study of factors affecting women’s lived experiences in STEM

Author

Listed:
  • Elena Prieto-Rodriguez

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Kristina Sincock

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Regina Berretta

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Juanita Todd

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Sarah Johnson

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Karen Blackmore

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Erica Wanless

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Anna Giacomini

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Lauren Gibson

    (University of Newcastle)

Abstract

The number of women employed in STEM in Australia is increasing, however, they continue to remain underrepresented in most industries. A significant corpus of literature on female underrepresentation has emerged in the past 20 years, however, many of those studies focus on educational access and retention and not many look at the lived experiences of women after they have left higher education. In this article, we take a different stance and explore the heterogeneous experiences of female STEM professionals in regional Australia. Through the qualitative analysis of 25 interviews, we learn what women have endured, accepted, and valued on their individual STEM journeys. While these journeys are often quite different, our interviewees independently reported having experienced similar societal prejudices and possessing similar personality traits. Our data reveals that resilience and determination proved vital for these women, as did a strong early interest in STEM. Our interviews also unearth issues in which women’s opinions are fiercely divided, such as whether positive discrimination has been a barrier or an enabler for their careers. Based on what we have learnt from their accounts, we argue that these women have ‘survived’ their work environments despite structural barriers, only due to their determination, resilience and fervent interest.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Prieto-Rodriguez & Kristina Sincock & Regina Berretta & Juanita Todd & Sarah Johnson & Karen Blackmore & Erica Wanless & Anna Giacomini & Lauren Gibson, 2022. "A study of factors affecting women’s lived experiences in STEM," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:9:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-022-01136-1
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-022-01136-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marc Goulden & Mary Ann Mason & Karie Frasch, 2011. "Keeping Women in the Science Pipeline," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 638(1), pages 141-162, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fernanda Staniscuaski & Arthur V. Machado & Rossana C. Soletti & Fernanda Reichert & Eugenia Zandonà & Pamela B. Mello-Carpes & Camila Infanger & Zelia M. C. Ludwig & Leticia Oliveira, 2023. "Bias against parents in science hits women harder," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.

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