Educational and career choices of young women: MINT (STEM) the Gap!

Studies and
international comparisons point to the persistently high horizontal gender
segregation of the Austrian labour market, i.e. a numerical dominance of women
or men in certain occupations and occupational groups. With regard to this, the
aim of the study was to identify barriers that prevent women from pursuing a
career in the STEM field or counteract their long-term stay. In addition,
(designable) factors were identified that (can) support young women to pursue a
STEM-related educational path.

Two
methodological approaches were chosen:

  • On the one hand, around 200 studies
    and surveys were examined in a systematic literature analysis along
    content-related categories. The aim was to capture structural factors as well
    as the actor and individual level in order to elaborate a comprehensive picture
    of hindering but also facilitating influences.
  • This was supplemented by nine
    qualitative focus groups among female pupils, students and apprentices in the
    STEM sector. In addition to the general discussion of individual motives and
    barriers in the choice of career and education, the role of social media was
    focused on: How and with what effects are they used? Are new career aspirations
    triggered? Do they strengthen already existing career aspirations or do they
    serve to obtain factual information?

The study is commissioned by LEA – Let’s Empower Austria, the Austrian Fund for the Empowerment and Promotion of Women and Girls.
Some fact and figures:
Topics: Education and Training, Gender, Labour Market
Tags: Girls, science, segregation, STEM, women, work
Client: LEA – Let’s Empower Austria
Team: Lucas Meyer, Nadja Bergmann, Petra Wetzel, Ronja Nikolatti
Status: beendet
from: 2022 to: 2023

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