Reported July 2009

STEREOTYPES OF WHO CAN BE A SCIENTIST: Many people have an image of who scientists are, and who can become a scientist. The truth is the types of people who become scientists, engineers, and mathematicians are widely varied, including women and men of many backgrounds. They can work in many settings including offices, forests, and laboratories. Sociologists have shown that many people have a positive view of scientists and those who would approve of a child of either sex becoming a scientist has increased. Stereotypes from popular culture and other sources can influence the idea of what a scientist is and those stereotypes can influence people to steer them both toward and away from a pursuing a science career for themselves.

WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND MATH CAREERS:

• As many girls as boys enroll in high school calculus
• 2003 was the first time more women than men applied to medical school
• Women are earning 30% of doctoral degrees in mathematical sciences (up from 5% in the 1950s)

The American Sociological Association contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Dr. Susan Carol Losh
Florida State University
Tallahassee FL 32306-4453
(850) 644-8778
slosh@garnet.acns.fsu.edu

Jackie Cooper
Media Relations Officer
American Sociological Association
(202) 383-9005, x332
http://www.asanet.org/
JCooper@asanet.org