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Cover of Girls and Women of Color In STEM

Girls and Women of Color In STEM

by Barbara Polnick

Book Details

Publisher:IAP
Published:2020-09-01
Pages:283
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

Though there has been a rapid increase of women’s representation in law and business, their representation in STEM fields has not been matched. Researchers have revealed that there are several environmental and social barriers including stereotypes, gender bias, and the climate of science and engineering departments in colleges and universities that continue to block women’s progress in STEM. In this book, the authors address the issues that encounter women of color in STEM in higher education.

Our Review

This book tackles the persistent underrepresentation of women of color in science, technology, engineering, and math by examining the specific environmental and social barriers they face in higher education. The text moves beyond general statistics to dissect the real-world impact of stereotypes, gender bias, and the often-hostile climates within university STEM departments. It provides a crucial analysis of why progress has stalled, offering a clear-eyed look at the systemic obstacles that continue to block pathways for these students. This is an essential investigation into the intersection of race and gender within the scientific community.

What makes this work particularly compelling is its focused lens on the unique challenges encountered by women of color, a demographic often overlooked in broader discussions about diversity in STEM. The book serves as both a diagnosis of a broken system and a vital resource for educators, administrators, and students seeking to understand and dismantle these barriers. For any young woman of color navigating a STEM pathway, this book validates their experiences and provides critical context for the landscape they are entering. Its impact lies in giving voice to the specific struggles and, by naming them, paving the way for meaningful change.

Themes

Education

Subjects

Education