Women in engineering: A qualitative investigation of the contextual support and barriers to their career choice

Abstract

This study explores both past and current experiences of female engineering students. Women continue to be underrepresented in certain STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields in most countries. Using Social Cognitive Career Theory as a theoretical framework, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with female engineering students in Lebanon to better understand their decision-making processes and to shed light on their experiences. Results indicate that female engineers continue to face significant hurdles in both social and professional settings. Society, as represented by their extended family and friends, questioned their choices, and discrimination, including sexual harassment, continues to be an issue at work or internships. This study also emphasizes the power of human agency and the importance of the nuclear family, in that most participants discussed the extent of support that they received, and continue to receive, from their parents and siblings, in addition to their belief that they are responsible for their own choices.