Women with degrees in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields are not exempt from the wage gap between men and women, writes Katie Valentine at Science Progress.
A report issued this month by the American Association of University Women finds that female college graduates experience a pay gap — earning 82 cents for every dollar a male counterpart earns — as soon as one year after graduation. Women earn less even when college major is controlled for.
Valentine argues that the difference in pay and employment has three facets: Firstly, a small number of women choose to major in STEM fields, then, of those that do, many don't pursue a STEM career, and, finally, those that do pursue such a career are paid less than their male counterparts.
A number of steps may be taken to try to pique girls' and women's interest in STEM fields, but Valentine says "more could be done to make working conditions better for women once they do enter a career — whether in STEM or in other fields."