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Invisible women: gender representation in high school science courses across Australia

The visibility of female role models in science is vital for engaging and retaining women in scientific fields. In ... Show more
The visibility of female role models in science is vital for engaging and retaining women in scientific fields. In this study, we analyse four senior secondary science courses delivered across the states and territories in Australia: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics. We compared male and female representation within the science courses by examining the mentions of male and female scientists along with the context of their inclusions in the syllabuses.
We find a clear gender bias with only one unique mention of a female scientist. We also find a clear Eurocentric focus and narrow representation of scientists. This bias will contribute to the continuing low engagement of women in scientific fields. We outline possible solutions to address this issue, including the accreditation of scientific discoveries to include female scientists and explicit discussion of structural barriers preventing the participation and progression of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Published abstract.
Forthcoming article first published online 28 August 2023 by Sage Journals. Show less

Authors: Ross, Kathryn; Galaudage, Shanika; Clark, Tegan; Lowson, Nataliea ... [+] Show more

Date: 2023

Geographic subjects: Australia; Oceania

Resource type: Article

Journal title: Australian journal of education

Subjects: Gender; Career development; Secondary education ... [+] Show more

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Invisible women: gender representation in high school science courses across Australia