The Gender Paradox
Session Number
IND STUDY 01
Advisor(s)
Dr. Jessica Amacher, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy; Dr. Melissa Lenczewski, Northern Illinois University
Discipline
Independent Study
Start Date
17-4-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
17-4-2025 10:45 AM
Abstract
Women wanting to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) face biases throughout their careers, from discouragement in childhood education to discrimination in the workplace. We designed The Gender Paradox to engage elementary through high school girls and bring light to the gender biases surrounding women passionate about pursuing a STEM career. Our research aims to address biological differences between the sexes, as well as environmental and societal differences impacting career choices among males and females. We also explore the pay gap and education gap in various STEM specialties and hone in on maternal rights for women pursuing higher education. We connect known case studies like Google's Ideological Echo Chamber (more casually known as the Google Memo) and the John/Jennifer Study. Most importantly, we aim to educate rising women in STEM on how to recognize and overcome gender adversity through education. Growing up as young women interested in pursuing careers in STEM, we have faced adversity and discouragement firsthand. The Gender Paradox aims to instill confidence in young girls, encouraging them never to put their dreams aside due to gender bias
The Gender Paradox
Women wanting to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) face biases throughout their careers, from discouragement in childhood education to discrimination in the workplace. We designed The Gender Paradox to engage elementary through high school girls and bring light to the gender biases surrounding women passionate about pursuing a STEM career. Our research aims to address biological differences between the sexes, as well as environmental and societal differences impacting career choices among males and females. We also explore the pay gap and education gap in various STEM specialties and hone in on maternal rights for women pursuing higher education. We connect known case studies like Google's Ideological Echo Chamber (more casually known as the Google Memo) and the John/Jennifer Study. Most importantly, we aim to educate rising women in STEM on how to recognize and overcome gender adversity through education. Growing up as young women interested in pursuing careers in STEM, we have faced adversity and discouragement firsthand. The Gender Paradox aims to instill confidence in young girls, encouraging them never to put their dreams aside due to gender bias