Gender Inequality in STEM Education in China

Abstract

In grade 11, Chinese students are usually required to choose between two types of majors for their high school education: science or liberal arts. Extensive research suggests that gender imbalance exists among the student body of both majors. In particular, since 1977, mainly boys have chosen to major in science while girls generally prefer liberal arts. Many reasons explain the girls’ reluctance towards STEM subjects. Gender stereotypes can be traced from Confucian tradition; children are exposed to such gender stereotypes by the media, teachers, parents, and friends. Fewer female role models stand in STEM fields than male role models; the gender wage gap in STEM suggests that men are receiving higher average annual salaries than women. Through an interview of nine participants, this study reveals that gender inequality in STEM education is associated with several factors, including gender stereotypes perpetuated by teachers and parents and a lack of female role models.