Why So Few Girls Pursue STEM Careers? A Lack of Confidence

The critical role of sports in helping girls develop self-confidence is vividly demonstrated by a new survey of 10,678 U.S. girls which also finds their interest in pursuing a career in math and/or science increases 16% from fifth to ninth grade.  But during those same years there is a 15% decline in girls’ perceived ability in math and science.

The survey also found that which 73% of girls overall believe they are good at math and/or science, this number declines to less than half for Hispanic girls, and only 56% of Asian girls. This is in contrast to 77% of white/Caucasian girls and 72% of black/African American girls.

More than 42% of girls believe that there are certain jobs that are better for men than women. Additionally, one in three girls believe that boys are encouraged more than girls in the areas of math and science.

The study also found that girls who play sports fare better on nearly every Girls’ Index metric compared to their non-sport-playing peers.  This is most notable at the high school level.  Not surprisingly, girls who spend the most time on social media are significantly less likely to be on a sports team – and 31% of girls say they have been bullied or made fun of on social media.

Girls with the highest levels of sadness and depression are 27% less likely to be on a sports team.

Sixty-one percent (61%) of high school girls with a grade point average above 4.0 play on a sports team.  Those girls who do play on a sports team have more positive and expansive views on girls’ roles and opportunities related to careers and leadership.

SOURCE:  Ruling Our Experiences Inc., 1335 Dublin Road, 18A, Columbus, OH 43215; 614-488-8080, www.rulingourexperiences.org; info@rulingourexperiences.com

 

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