Redefining academic trajectories: A comprehensive analysis of the factors and impacts of the gender gap in STEM higher education
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 24 September 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the key factors contributing to gender disparities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and propose creative solutions to mitigate these differences. Despite the significance of this issue, it has not received sufficient attention owing to the absence of clarity regarding the factors that exacerbate the gender gap.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a qualitative methodology that combined the viewpoints of social psychology and educational research to pinpoint and evaluate essential elements. Using a grounded theory approach, semistructured interviews were analyzed, and the obtained data were coded and categorized using ATLAS.ti software.
Findings
This qualitative research identified three key areas: internal and external factors influencing the gender gap, as well as strategic actions within higher education to address these disparities. The innovative contribution of this study lies in its development of a comprehensive theoretical framework that enables the diagnosis, quantification and understanding of these factors and proposes practical measures to mitigate these gender disparities. By promoting greater gender diversity, the proposed model can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development, which is consistent with the 2030 agenda.
Originality/value
This study highlights the need for a multidimensional approach to address the gender gap in higher education, fills a crucial knowledge gap and provides a theoretical model to guide effective university policies.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors express their sincere gratitude to the National Agency for Research and Development of Chile for their generous support.
Funding: This research was funded by the National Doctoral Scholarship Program 2022–2024 of the National Agency for Research and Development of Chile, ANID, No. 21220061, and GOP No. 242230011.
Citation
Beroíza-Valenzuela, F. and Salas-Guzmán, N. (2024), "Redefining academic trajectories: A comprehensive analysis of the factors and impacts of the gender gap in STEM higher education", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-02-2024-0129
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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