PERC 2024 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Living in the tensions: Investigations of gender performativity in STEM |
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| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Abstract: | In this work, we present the results of semi-structured interviews with four women to explore how they perceive themselves with respect to three gender constructs (femininity, masculinity, androgyny), and how they believe others perceive them. All of the women highlighted the performative nature of gender in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), citing (1) stereotypes that women are not analytical thinkers, or femininity being associated with "being stupid"; (2) the pressure to conform to the masculine norms of STEM, and (3) a pressure to perform to prove that they belong in STEM. Some of these women aligned their own perceptions of their gender with these norms, while others expressed frustration with the tension between their gender and how that is perceived by peers in STEM. This work suggests that conceptualizing gender as performance is a useful lens for understanding the oppression and underrepresentation of women and gender minorities in STEM. |
| Session Time: | Poster Session 2 |
| Poster Number: | B83 |
| Contributed Paper Record: | Contributed Paper Information |
| Contributed Paper Download: | Download Contributed Paper |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Noah Leibnitz Oregon State University Corvallis, OR |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Smith Strain, Auburn University Reagan Ruben, Auburn University Yangqiuting Li, Oregon State University Eric Burkholder, Auburn University |
Contributed Poster | |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
