Staying Out of Science

In The Guardian, Latoya Peterson says there is a persistent lack of women in scientific and technological careers – a "gender-based stagnation that flies in the face of workforce trends," she says. So what's causing women to shy away from careers in the sciences? Peterson says there are many factors that contribute to this lack. A steep learning curve and unforgiving schedules that make it hard for women with families to really get a career going, she says. Peterson – invoking then-Harvard President Larry Summers' infamous 2005 word-fumble – also blames the stereotype that women's brains aren't wired for science or technology. What's the answer? It may be as simple as giving young girls science role models. "Community outreach from science and technology professionals really goes a long way in ensuring girls will have the opportunity to explore and develop their talents before being discouraged from the field," Peterson says.