Research says: Feminine STEM role models do not motivate girls

[Siri]

Originally Posted by Mc Kenna

I have to question what is wrong with our girls if the fact that I have on heels and make up is enough to make some girl not be an engineer (if that is what she loves). Why don’t we focus more on teaching our children that you get to be exactly who you want to be and if that means you never put on make-up great! And if you love it wear it! But I worry about this generation of girls and the ones to come if something as stupid as my fashion choices render them unable to stand up for something they want. . . it just seems like there is a bigger problem than fashion.

I think you're misinterpreting these studies. Feminine STEM role models do not significantly undercut girls who are already confidently interested in STEM (can be inspirational for some). Rather, examples of feminine STEM role models in these studies discouraged girls who hadn't yet considered/become invested in the option. (Though one study does indicate that they can undercut girls' perception of their abilities regardless of whether they're pre-invested or not.) I agree that we should be teaching everyone to follow their dreams regardless of their view of the role models in the field, but the problem is less getting driven away from what you love and more about never realizing the option for it in the first place (rather different issue).

Most of these studies are in direct response to the deliberate feminizing of science to recruit girls and 'open their eyes' to STEM (which have arguably been closed to it by other societal factors). The argument is this is not effective and can actually be detrimental and eye-closing rather than eye-opening.


As for a lack of acceptance of the women in STEM, that's weird. Guys, yeah, all the time (). But women, I've never seen/had that before...