Chapter 7: Procedures To Increase The Entry Of Women In Mathematics-Related Careers

The underrepresentation of women in mathematics related careers, long an issue of equity and justice, has serious economic implications as the United States faces a shortage of scientists, engineers, and mathematically trained workers. In 1986 women constituted 49 percent of the nation’s workforce, but only 15 percent of employed scientists and engineers and 24 percent of mathematicians. By the year 2000 the need for employees in quantitative fields will be 36 percent higher than in 1986; however, the traditional pool of white males, which supplies most scientists and engineers, will shrink to just 15 percent of the new entrants into the workforce (National Science Foundation, NSF, 1988).