Representation of Black women in STEM roles in popular films
- Conference
- Location
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Syracuse University, New York
- Publication Date
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March 25, 2022
- Start Date
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March 25, 2022
- End Date
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February 26, 2024
- Tagged Topic
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Diversity
- Page Count
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14
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--45420
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/45420
- Download Count
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80
Paper Authors
Syed Ali Kamal University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Syed Ali Kamal is a doctoral student at the Department of Engineering Education at University at Buffalo. His research interests lie in the area of social justice and issues related to diversity, equity and Inclusion. Before University at Buffalo he worked in teaching capacity in the higher education sector of Pakistan. Additionally he has worked as a researcher in projects aimed at promoting climate change adaptation in Pakistan.
Matilde Luz Sanchez-Pena
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
orcid.org/0000-0002-3511-0694
Dr. Matilde Sánchez-Peña is an assistant professor of Engineering Education at the University at Buffalo – SUNY where she leads the Diversity Assessment Research in Engineering to Catalyze the Advancement of Respect and Equity (DAREtoCARE) Lab. Her research focuses on developing cultures of care and well-being in engineering education spaces, assessing gains in institutional efforts to advance equity and inclusion, and using data science for training socially responsible engineers.
Abstract
The representation of female STEM professionals in popular films influences the public perception of their participation and contributions in STEM. Moreover, it has been argued in the literature that media portrayals of the STEM professionals as white male characters, has created gender stereotypes that affect the participation of female STEM professionals from marginalized racial communities in the STEM professions. This study aims to employ content analysis techniques to examine the portrayals of women of color in 20 high-grossing sci-fi films from 2010-2020. We use the theoretical lens of intersectionality and the social identity theory to discuss the role of STEM media representations of women from racially marginalized communities on their STEM identity development. Specifically, we will be trying to answer the following research questions: 1) how women from marginalized racial groups are represented in STEM roles in popular films? and 2) what is the ratio of their representation in STEM professional roles in proportion to white male STEM professionals? This study will highlight the trends and stereotypes about women of color in popular films. Also, the findings will call for action against negative/lower representation of women of color in STEM roles so that gender stereotypes against them could be eliminated.
Kamal, S. A., & Sanchez-Pena, M. L. (2022, March), Representation of Black women in STEM roles in popular films Paper presented at 2022 ASEE St. Lawrence Section Annual Conference, Syracuse University, New York. 10.18260/1-2--45420
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