Joanna : a woman in science : one life history in dialogue with the literature
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Date
1987
Authors
Smith, Jennifer
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1987
Abstract
Few women choose careers in the physical sciences.
Of the Bachelor's degrees awarded nationally in
Mathematics and Physical Sciences only 29% were awarded
to females (Statistics Canada, 1986). Using a
biographical approach, this study sought to identify
factors which may have facilitated the success of women
in these areas. Joanna, a female university student
majoring in chemistry, was interviewed. Tapes were
transcribed and factors which possibly directed her
success in the sciences were identifi·ed by both authors
and validated by Joanna. A literature review on
psycho-social influences as they affect the science
achievement and interest of girls was integrated with
the themes emerging from Joanna's life history.
The dialogue between the literature and Joanna
revealed a common profile which appears to characterize
mo s t f e rna 1 esc i e n tis t s • Joanna, herself, overlapped
with 26 of the 33 factors that were identified by the
literature. The profile was split into seven
categories: Personality, Sex Role Identity,
Motivational Style, Family Influence,
Childhood/Adolescence, Role Models, and Influence of
Schooling. Factors which Joanna identified with strongly
included: logical/analytical, high math and spatial
ability, enjoys competition, not afraid to take risks,
strong self-concept, confident, non-traditional sex
role expectations, androgynous, unaffected by sex role
stereotypes, family and career not seen as mutually
exclusive,
encouraging
parents as
positive
parents,
attitude towards science,
oldest child, non-traditional
role models, voracious reader, active
childhood, able to act independently in adolescence,
influential high school science teacher, and received
encouragement and praise from teachers throughout
schooling. Judging from both Joanna's profile and the
literature review, the role of encouragement for women
in the sciences cannot be underestimated.
Implications for science education were made. A
paradigm shift from emphasizing facts to encouraging
open exploration was suggested in order to broaden this
profile. The proposed Alberta curriculum with its
focus on science as it relates to technology and
society was considered a step in the right direction.
Description
[210] leaves in various pagings ; 29 cm.
Keywords
Women in science -- Interviews , Women college students -- Interviews , Women in science -- Psychological aspects , Women college students -- Psychological aspects