Women In S.T.E.M fields

Female scientists has always been a scarcity. In modern times, the number of women in the sciences have grown, however we're still greatly outnumbered by males. I found an article that suggests seven reasons that are keeping women out of science fields.  

http://www.businessinsider.com/7-things-keeping-women-out-of-science-2013-10

As a women of science myself, I have found several of these suggestions to be relatable. First reason, teasing in school. The teasing is not only subjugated to school, but in other settings as well. In a family setting, if you're not an only child, teasing occurs within siblings. That might not seem too bad, almost normal, but if you're the only one in your family who seems to be interested in all this "stuff", you tend to become an outcast. You'll never get a boyfriend, if you're more interested in books than your looks. They are more willing to help you go shopping and gossip than help with homework and hold conversations about the motions of a molecule. The competition is a put off as well. They offer limited scholarships and opportunities that force competition and for those who are noncompetitive an excuse to not pursue their interests. As a chemistry tutor, I meet so many bright women, that do outstanding in the science courses because they are interested, but are pursuing other degrees because the fields are too competitive.  Finally, the patriarchy again. The older generation of scientist consist of male majority, and off course, they are interested in teaching other males only. Women are bright. Women understand science. 

 

Segregation A Thing Of The Past?

When we think of segregation, we tend to think of the Jim Crow Laws. It seems like a long time ago and oh, how far have we come since then. But have we really? The 2010 census shows us different. Not only are we separated by race, but class as well, the wealthy, middle class and the poor. Some might think, "So What?" " Why should I want snobby neighbors, or I don't want to live next to rat holes!" But that kind of thinking is what causes this separation and the next generation suffer the consequences. Aren't we tired of the stereotypes? Aren't we tired of going to a store and being watched like a hawk because my skin tone is darker, or being looked at funny for wearing burqas, or expected to have all the answers because I look some type of Asian. Aren't we tired of being oppressed? Of being looked over for not being a male, for not having the last name Smith. We don't fight the same battles, but we all have battles. And staying separated works in the favor of patriarchy. We're the 99% together, not alone with only our own kind. Only by putting aside our differences and uniting with a common purpose, ending the patriarchy, can we begin seeing change.