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Women in Physics

Sundell, Rebecka LU (2019) ÄFYM92 20191
Department of Physics
Department of Educational Sciences
Abstract (Swedish)
The purpose of this study was to investigate why women are highly underrepresented within the field of physics around the world.
The study was mainly conducted through qualitative interviews with adolescent girls and it aimed to shelter more than just a local perspective; therefor the interviews were performed in three different schools, in three different countries; one in Bukoba, Tanzania, one in Guelph, Canada, and one in Vellinge, Sweden. This international standpoint provided a profounder understanding to this worldwide concern.
There were many similarities between the responses at the three schools, but there were also numerous differences. The girls in Bukoba suggested that women do not have the confidence to study a hard... (More)
The purpose of this study was to investigate why women are highly underrepresented within the field of physics around the world.
The study was mainly conducted through qualitative interviews with adolescent girls and it aimed to shelter more than just a local perspective; therefor the interviews were performed in three different schools, in three different countries; one in Bukoba, Tanzania, one in Guelph, Canada, and one in Vellinge, Sweden. This international standpoint provided a profounder understanding to this worldwide concern.
There were many similarities between the responses at the three schools, but there were also numerous differences. The girls in Bukoba suggested that women do not have the confidence to study a hard subject like physics, while the girls in Vellinge and Guelph believe that women chose not to study physics due to old stereotypes and prejudgements, and the fact that they do not want to be part of a minority.
A portion of the study will reflect on potential solutions to this problematic unbalance, which includes how to inspire more women to enter the field of physics. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Sundell, Rebecka LU
supervisor
organization
course
ÄFYM92 20191
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
physics, women in physics, gender, gender stereotypes, equality, enculturation.
language
English
id
8996545
date added to LUP
2020-01-29 16:02:14
date last changed
2020-01-29 16:02:14
@misc{8996545,
  abstract     = {{The purpose of this study was to investigate why women are highly underrepresented within the field of physics around the world. 
The study was mainly conducted through qualitative interviews with adolescent girls and it aimed to shelter more than just a local perspective; therefor the interviews were performed in three different schools, in three different countries; one in Bukoba, Tanzania, one in Guelph, Canada, and one in Vellinge, Sweden. This international standpoint provided a profounder understanding to this worldwide concern. 
There were many similarities between the responses at the three schools, but there were also numerous differences. The girls in Bukoba suggested that women do not have the confidence to study a hard subject like physics, while the girls in Vellinge and Guelph believe that women chose not to study physics due to old stereotypes and prejudgements, and the fact that they do not want to be part of a minority. 
A portion of the study will reflect on potential solutions to this problematic unbalance, which includes how to inspire more women to enter the field of physics.}},
  author       = {{Sundell, Rebecka}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Women in Physics}},
  year         = {{2019}},
}