APPLYING SOCIAL COGNITIVE CAREER THEORY TO WOMEN IN STEM

Abstract

The number of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is still less than men. Previous studies focusing on women who are underrepresented in the STEM fields have historically enhanced the implementation of policies that created based on research findings in many countries. Despite this research, there are only a limited number of Turkish investigations which have focused on the career development of women in STEM areas. In an attempt to close this gap the current study applied Social Cognitive Career Theory to women in Turkey to examine their perspectives on career in STEM fields and identify the perceived barriers and supports to their career development. In this investigation the sample included 16 women who chose STEM majors and are currently working in STEM fields. Participants were selected by using purposeful sampling and were interviewed to solicit their observations and perceptions regarding STEM area careers for women. Interview questions were designed to explore perceived barriers and supports in three stages (college major choice, undergraduate education and working life) of career development. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the responses of the participants. The findings of the study indicated that women in STEM fields perceived their friends as supporting influences in both college major selection and in their working life, while the Student Selection and Placement System was seen as a barrier. The effects of parental influence were mixed. Socioeconomic circumstances and curriculum of STEM fields were perceived barriers for women in STEM fields during their undergraduate degree preparation. Women in STEM areas, as in other fields, often reported difficulties balancing work and family responsibilities. 

Keywords

• career development
• women
• STEM
• Social Cognitive Career Theory

SOSYAL BİLİŞSEL KARİYER KURAMI AÇISINDAN BİLİM, TEKNOLOJİ, MÜHENDİSLİK VE MATEMATİK ALANLARINDAKİ KADINLAR

Abstract

Kadınlar bilim, teknoloji, mühendislik ve matematik (FeTeMM) alanlarında erkeklere oranla daha az sayıdadırlar. Bu alanlarda çalışan kadınların sayıca az olmasına odaklanan alan yazındaki araştırmaların artması, bu araştırmalara dayalı olarak oluşturulan politikaların pek çok ülkede uygulanmaya başlanmasına aracı olmuştur. Bununla birlikte Türkiye’de FeTeMM alanlarında kariyer yapan kadınların kariyer gelişimleriyle ilgili araştırmalar oldukça sınırlıdır. Bu nedenle bu araştırmanın amacı Türkiye’de FeTeMM alanlarında çalışan kadınların kariyer gelişimlerine ilişkin görüşlerini Sosyal Bilişsel Kariyer Kuramı açısından betimlemektir. Bu amaca yönelik olarak FeTeMM alanlarını kariyer olarak seçmiş ve bu alanda çalışmakta olan 16 kadın ölçüt örnekleme yöntemi kullanılarak belirlenmiştir.  Araştırma kapsamında sorulan sorular alan seçimi, alan eğitimi ve çalışma yaşamı olmak üzere kadınların kariyer gelişimlerinin üç temel aşamasında algıladıkları kariyer desteklerini ve kariyer engellerini ortaya koymayı hedeflemiştir. Olgu bilim desenine göre tasarlanan bu araştırmada yazılı görüş alma formuyla elde edilen verilerin analizinde içerik analizi yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda FeTeMM alanlarındaki kadınların  hem alan seçimi hem de alan eğitimi sırasında aile üyelerini ve arkadaşlarını kariyer desteği olarak algıladıkları bulunmuştur. Çevreden alınan destek ise FeTeMM alanlarındaki kadınların çalışma yaşamlarındaki algıladığı destektir.  Ayrıca katılımcıların  alan seçimi sırasında aile üyelerini ve sınav sistemini; alan eğitimi sırasında alan içeriğini ve sosyo-ekonomik koşullarını; çalışma yaşamlarında ise ev-iş sorumluluklarını  da kariyer engeli olarak algıladıkları  sonucu elde edilmiştir.

Keywords

• kariyer gelişimi
• kadın
• FeTeMM
• Sosyal Bilişsel Kariyer Kuramı

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