Figure of the month: 31
Although more and more girls and women are entering STEM training programs, significantly fewer of them complete these programs, compared to other educational fields, and subsequently work in a STEM profession. A collaborative project between IHS and L&R Sozialforschung therefore addressed the issue of STEM dropouts in education and careers. Based on school and university statistics, dropouts along the educational pathways were examined and the occupational fields of STEM graduates were analyzed using microcensus data.
The results: In secondary education, more boys than girls drop out of STEM training programs, but more men than women complete a STEM degree at university. However, the greatest losses occur in the course of a career: Only around 31% of female STEM graduates later work in the STEM field, compared to around 57% of men.
To understand the underlying reasons, young women who had abandoned STEM careers were surveyed in an online questionnaire and in focus groups. Their experiences show that most women do not leave STEM professions due to a lack of interest or skills, but because of unfavorable working conditions and a male-dominated corporate culture. The high dropout rates reveal a large untapped potential among women interested in STEM: they could be attracted to STEM careers through more favorable conditions and a more female-friendly culture in schools, universities, and companies.
Andrea Leitner
IHS Researcher
Educational Structures and Educational Opportunities
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