Chapter 4: Sisters in Science: Confronting Equity in Science and Mathematics Education

In her keynote address titled “Girls Succeeding in Science, Math, and Technology: Who Works and What Works” at the American Association of University Women (AAUW) conference, Shirley M. Malcolm of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) said:

Many barriers exist that prevent girls and women from fully participating in science and mathematics throughout their lives. The organizational characteristics of science and mathematics play important roles in diminishing the achievement of girls and women in these disciplines (AAUW, 1990; Bleier, 1984; Harding, 1986; Kahle & Meece, 1994; Keller, 1985, 1986). Researchers agree that females' perceptions about science and mathematics act as barriers to their expressing interest in science and mathematics in school (Baker & Leary, 1995; Kelly, 1985; Shroyer, Powell, & Backe, 1991). Also, the perception that science and mathematics are masculine domains discourages females from choosing scienceand mathematics-related careers (Kelly, 1985).