Gender stereotypes about interests start early and cause gender disparities in computer science and engineering
240 Citations•2021•
Allison Master, Andrew N. Meltzoff, Sapna Cheryan
Stereotypes that girls are less interested than boys in computer science and engineering emerge early and may contribute to gender disparities in these fields.
Abstract
<jats:title>Significance</jats:title> <jats:p>Societal stereotypes that girls are less interested than boys in computer science and engineering are endorsed by children and adolescents in a large and socioeconomically diverse sample, across multiple racial/ethnic and gender intersections, and as early as age six (first grade). Gender-interest stereotypes may contribute to subsequent gender disparities in the pursuit of these societally important fields. Addressing interest stereotypes may help improve educational equity.</jats:p>