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Undergraduate Women in Science and Engineering: Effects of Faculty, Fields, and Institutions Over Time

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  • Gerhard Sonnert
  • Mary Frank Fox
  • Kristen Adkins

Abstract

Objective. Taking an institutional approach to the determinants of outcomes for women in science and engineering, we examine the effects on women's percentages among undergraduate majors and among degree recipients of four basic factors: (1) the percentage of faculty who are women in the students' major science/engineering area; (2) the students' disciplines (biology, physical sciences, and engineering); (3) the type of institution in which students are enrolled (“Research I” vs. others); and (4) a time trend (1984–2000). Method. We use longitudinal, multivariate, and multi‐institutional data from the Integrated Postsecondary Data System (IPEDS) and from a mail survey of registrars. Results. Over the observation period, the women's percentages have risen steadily. The effects of disciplines and departments are stronger than those of institutions. Especially notable is that the percentages of women among undergraduate science/engineering majors and degree recipients are associated with the percentages of women among the faculty in these fields. Conclusion. The findings contribute empirically to the discussion about the effects of “role models” for the participation and performance of women in science and engineering—and point to the strong effects of departments, compared to institutions, in accounting for degrees awarded to undergraduate women.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerhard Sonnert & Mary Frank Fox & Kristen Adkins, 2007. "Undergraduate Women in Science and Engineering: Effects of Faculty, Fields, and Institutions Over Time," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 88(5), pages 1333-1356, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:88:y:2007:i:5:p:1333-1356
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2007.00505.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Joyce B. Main, 2018. "Kanter’s Theory of Proportions: Organizational Demography and PhD Completion in Science and Engineering Departments," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 59(8), pages 1059-1073, December.
    2. Laura R Jarboe, 2019. "Regional, institutional, and departmental factors associated with gender diversity among BS-level chemical and electrical engineering graduates," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(10), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Chhaochharia, Vidhi & Du, Mengqiao & Niessen-Ruenzi, Alexandra, 2022. "Counter-stereotypical female role models and women’s occupational choices☆," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 501-523.
    4. Cindy L. Cain & Erin Leahey, 2014. "Cultural Correlates of Gender Integration in Science," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(6), pages 516-530, November.
    5. James V. Koch & Ziniya Zahedi, 2019. "The effects of role models on college graduation rates," Journal of Economics and Finance, Springer;Academy of Economics and Finance, vol. 43(3), pages 607-617, July.
    6. Patricia K Hunt & Michelle Dong & Crystal M Miller, 2021. "A multi-year science research or engineering experience in high school gives women confidence to continue in the STEM pipeline or seek advancement in other fields: A 20-year longitudinal study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(11), pages 1-20, November.
    7. Elissa L. Perry & Carol T. Kulik & David B. Mendelsohn & DaHee Shon, 2022. "Faculty Gender Diversity, Institutional Performance, and the Role of Diversity Climate," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 63(7), pages 1204-1236, November.
    8. Cayce C. Hughes & Kristen Schilt & Bridget K. Gorman & Jenifer L. Bratter, 2017. "Framing the Faculty Gender Gap: A View from STEM Doctoral Students," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(4), pages 398-416, July.
    9. Junwan Liu & Yinglu Song & Sai Yang, 2020. "Gender disparities in the field of economics," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 125(2), pages 1477-1498, November.
    10. Eunju Jung & Ja Young Eunice Kim, 2020. "Women in Engineering: Almost No Gap at University but a Long Way to Go for Sustaining Careers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-20, October.

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