Don't Like STEM Fields? Maybe You Are Too Romantic

Monday, August 15, 2011 - 11:01 in Psychology & Sociology

Four new studies have found that when a woman's goal is to be romantically desirable, she is less likely to go into majors and activities related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  The studies were undertaken to determine why women, who have achieved parity in education, getting more Ph.D.s than men, and also in the workplace, continue to be underrepresented at the highest levels of STEM fields.They found converging support for the idea that when romantic goals are activated, either by environmental cues or personal choice, women (but not men) show less interest in STEM fields and more interest in feminine fields, such as the humanities.   Lead author Lora E.read more

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