Total crap.
Yeah yeah I know. Chicks are good at all of this and the study is BS. I just saw an excuse to slam Rachel Carson.
Posted on 09/15/2011 8:54:32 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A study found that when it comes to career choices, men prefer things and women prefer people.
If you thought it was sexist to assume that girls aren't good at science, maybe you should think again (though stereotypes are dangerous and there are certainly many, many exceptions).
A recent study in the journal Hormones and Behavior found that genetics play a key role in the career choices we make. In short, men become astronauts and women prefer nursing because of our biological nature, not environmental factors.
In our society, males are more likely to work in fields dealing with "things" like science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); whereas women lead the ranks in creative careers and those based on serving people. That's just the way things are — but is it based on sexism, which is a social construct, or is there a biological reason? Women Are Choosing Love Over Math & Science Careers
A team from Penn State University studied teenagers and young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) — a genetic condition — and their siblings without the condition. While in the uterus, those with CAH have more exposure to the male sex hormone called androgen than is normal. Females with CAH are genetically female, but their interests tend to be more "trucks" than "Barbie." So when it comes to choosing a career, these women prefer jobs related to "things" rather than "people," as opposed to most females. Win $550 Worth Of Luxury Goods From Henri Bendel!
"We found there is a biological influence on that interest toward things, so maybe women aren't going into STEM careers because what they're interested in—people—isn't consistent with an interest in STEM careers," researchers said. "Maybe we could show females ways in which an interest in people is compatible with STEM careers."
Other research shows that women, on an unconscious level, steer away from STEM careers because they think it will make them unattractive to men. So which one is it: Genetics or environmental conditioning?
Do you think it's important to encourage more girls to go into the sciences? How do you and your partner differ on career preferences?
I’m sixty-eight years old. At this moment, I am teaching myself algebra.
Stop screwing around on FR, and get back to work! ;)
Smartypants.
Yes, I think so. These are disciplines based on data and logic. Women are wired for feelings and emotion. And a good thing to, say I.
Total crap.
Yeah yeah I know. Chicks are good at all of this and the study is BS. I just saw an excuse to slam Rachel Carson.
I'm loving it too. I am beginning to understand the old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," because I'm still struggling with it like I did when I was a kid in jr. high, but I have made up my mind I'm going to keep reading and practicing until it becomes OBVIOUS. I spend a couple of hours a day with it.
People with "language" brains struggle with math, while those with "math" brains have a more difficult time with languages and spelling. What goes around comes around.
It may be true. Women let a credit card do the math for them while shopping. The only science women nowadays know is “if I get to Macy’s at 8 am for a sale, what are the odds more women will be in front of me?”
Read it when it first came out. Pure poppycock.
More power to you! Good luck with your math studies. Keep at it!
Science was always easy for me, but math went over my head like a pigeon. English, spelling, reading, etc., were super easy, on the other hand. As I got older, I learned more of the difficult stuff and less of the easy stuff, and it is still going on.
I guess all those nuns who pounded math and science into my brain were just loaded up with testosterone. Who knew?
We should join the comments (not the article which is quite interesting) with the Michele Bachmann comments. Maybe we should just ban women altogether from Free Republic! Too dumb and emotional for the genuises here. LOL.
Can’t speak for all women, but personally I get sick of being told I’m “not supposed” to be good at math and science. And it’s usually coming from the people preaching PC-ism.
Don’t know who concocted the STEM stuff. I studied Mechanical Engineering at Syracuse University in the early 60s — from my experience, the genetic hormonal thing is bogus. Girls are TAUGHT they do not have the skills, so why bother.
And I see a large number of guys being all feely-touchy.
I chalk this up to single mothers bringing up their girls to compete. And bringing up their sons to be more “in touch with their feelings.”
Not in all cases, of course. Just based on personal observation.
My daughter started taking algebra in third grade...and thought it was fun.
Actually, I did poorly in Algebra in HS but after returning to college 15 years after the fact, got straight A's. As to science, I took 5 years of subjects in HS and did quite well.
I still like art, music and theater better!
I’m wired to dislike girly men, commies, libtards and islamics who want to kill me. Oh, and usurping little girly islamic commie libtards who take over our White House.
Opps, that’s gonna need to be reported to Der Fuhrer!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.