Gender Bias Free Essays

A large amount of early research has been conducted on the biological differences between males and females; however, focus has shifted to environmental and social factors that may influence the gender gap in STEM subjects. The Eccles et al. Value Model, developed in 1983, considers motivational factors related to decisions regarding educational and career choices. We will write a custom essay sample on Gender Bias or any similar topic only for you Order Now Some of these factors include self perceptions, social variables and environmental factors Oacobs 2005, AAIJW 2005). American culture and society may influence how students view themselves, inherently contributing to the gender gap found in the STEM areas. According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), many studies have confirmed the negative impact that stereotypes have on students (Hill, C. et al. 2010). Gender differences within math and science develop early in adolescence (Sleeker Jacobs, 2004). There are many stereotypes and social stigmas that contribute to the reasons that boys may perform better in STEM fields than girls. One common stereotype the arts. The cultural stereotype may encourage girls to believe that math and science are not intended for them and in turn affect activities and career aspirations (Cvencek et al. , 2011). The Implicit Association Test was developed to â€Å"measure implicit attitudes and beliefs that people are unwilling or unable to report† (Project Implicit, n. d. ). Approximately 70 percent of IAT tests revealed stereotypes associating science with males more than females (Nosek et al. , 2009). Researchers at the University of Washington adapted the IAT to conduct a study on children ages six to ten years old. The test focused on gender identity, math-gender stereotype, and math self-concept. The results showed that by second grade, girls showed a weaker identification with math than boys, confirming the stereotype that math is for boys Cvencek et al. , 2011). Another study utilized the IAT to contrast science and liberal arts, and found that women who associated males with science were least likely to pursue science, and males with similar stereotypes were more likely to pursue science (Smyth, n. d. The study validated the link between stereotyping and self- efficacy. This is evidence that American culture may influence the way children view themselves related to subjects learned in school. Fear of poor performance in the classroom may also contribute to lack of interest in math and science. A study onducted in 2010 by the AAUW, focused on college students with similar math abilities and divided them into two rooms. The first room was advised that men outperform women on the test, while t he second room, was told there was no distinction in performance. How to cite Gender Bias, Papers Gender Bias Free Essays Gender bias is a preference or prejudice toward one gender over the other. Bias can be conscious or unconscious, and may manifest in many ways, both subtle and obvious. In many countries, eliminating gender bias is the basis of many laws, including those that govern workplaces, family courts, and even the voting booth. We will write a custom essay sample on Gender Bias or any similar topic only for you Order Now Despite these efforts, many legal and political scholars argue that total gender parity remains a far off goal, one which many region are not remotely close to reaching. The legality of gender bias is an area of huge contention in regard to pay equity between the sexes. Historically in many countries, men make more money over a career than women, even if they hold the same job. While the disparity has dwindled since the mid-20th century, it still exists in most areas to some degree. Opponents of additional laws increasing protection of women’s equal pay argue that this may be due to women working less over their lives, instead making a choice to remain at home and raise children. Women’s rights activists often cite this argument as part of the overall gender bias of modern society, suggesting that women are financially punished for choosing to rear children, despite the fact that this action is vital to thecontinuance of the state. It is also important to remember when considering gender bias and the law, that not all regions approve or desire gender equality under the law. In some countries, women are not allowed to drive, let alone vote. Studies of some regions have also showed tremendous gender bias in laws, with women being subject to severe penalties, including execution, for crimes such as adultery, whereas for men, adultery may not be considered a crime at all or may have lighter sentencing guides. How to cite Gender Bias, Essay examples