SWE Magazine Special Issue & Literature Review Reveals Role of Gender Bias in Engineering and Tech

CHICAGO, March 08, 2017 -- Aligning with International Women’s Day, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) released a special issue of SWE Magazine this week, which includes SWE’s Annual Literature Review on women in engineering and a focus on the evolution and state of gender bias in engineering. SWE’s literature review summarizes current research on women in engineering as part of a continuing effort to deepen understanding of the current realities by improving access to the best research in the field. Click here to view SWE Magazine’s special issue and literature review digitally. A hard copy of the issue can be purchased on Amazon.

“We know that women continue to be underrepresented in engineering, but the question remains: Why?” said Karen Horting, CAE, executive director and CEO of SWE. “This literature review is intended to shed light on how that question is being answered, and ultimately inspire evolution and progress in the advancement of women in engineering and technology.”

This year’s Literature Review pulls from more than 125 books and articles published in 2016, located by an extensive search of the social scientific and engineering literature. Two themes were identified from the Literature Review:

• Women are underrepresented in engineering because women are less likely than men to pursue an educational pathway that leads to an engineering degree, despite having appropriate academic preparation and capability; and
• Women who are attracted to engineering as a field and start down the road toward an engineering career are more likely than their male counterparts to leave. This is due, at least in part, to a lack of opportunity, negative experiences at the hands of managers and co-workers and a lack of support.

The Literature Review provides a deeper understanding of these issues with specific findings from studies published throughout the year.

The special issue also includes an editorial analysis of gender and its role in engineering and technology fields, including:

• A refocus in the discussion from gender bias to gendered innovations, and advancement in research of sophisticated methods of sex and gender analysis
• An intersection of gender, engineering and sustainability
• Advancements in policies in Europe and Canada that are taking direct and uncompromising approaches toward resolving gender-based inequities
• The evolution of Title IX and importance of supporting educational institutions with the resources and staff they need to ensure compliance and implementation of diversity programs.
• A deeper look at gender and racial bias from SWE’s recent study, “Climate Control: Gender and Racial Bias in Engineering”

“Media coverage of the state of women in engineering certainly highlights women’s important contributions to STEM, and it’s clear that progress has been made toward gender integration,” said Roberta Rincon, PhD, manager of research at SWE. “But only through careful, objective attention to scholarly research can we identify the causes of women’s underrepresentation in engineering, and appreciate how much progress has been made to eliminate traditional barriers to gender equity as well as how much more still needs to be done to address the inequities that remain.”

SWE Magazine is the official publication of SWE, providing technical tips, professional development, job listings and developments in the engineering profession. For more information about SWE Magazine and to subscribe, visit http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/swe-magazine-new. For more information about the Society of Women Engineers, visit swe.org.

About SWE
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. The not-for-profit educational and service organization is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. To ensure SWE members reach their full potential as engineers and leaders, the Society offers unique opportunities to network, provides professional development, shapes public policy and provides recognition for the life-changing contributions and achievements of women engineers. As a champion of diversity, SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in their personal and professional lives. For more information about the Society, please visit www.swe.org or call 312.596.5223.

Media Contact: 
Jenny Jaacks, David James Group, (630) 305-0003 x303, [email protected]