Roadblocks and Roadmaps to Sustainable Occupational Gender Diversity

Despite efforts to promote gender diversity, women remain underrepresented within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields traditionally occupied by men. Similarly, men are underrepresented in HEED (Healthcare, Early Education, and Domestic) roles typically performed by women. This persistent occupational gender segregation can constrain individuals’ professional pathways, undermine the quality of organizational outputs, and reinforce the existing gender status quo. In response, my work: 1) Identifies the ways in which prevalent gender biases impede sustainable occupational gender diversity (i.e., the lasting, substantial presence and valued engagement of individuals from across the gender identity spectrum), and 2) Develops and evaluates innovative diversity interventions aimed at reducing ongoing occupational gender segregation. In this talk, I will first present experimental evidence of gender bias in both STEM and HEED, before exploring its direct consequences for women’s and men’s enthusiasm for counter-stereotypic occupations. I will then discuss a program of ongoing research focused on generating and testing evidence-based interventions aimed at increasing awareness of and reducing these gender biases. The broader goal of this work is to remove gendered obstacles so that individuals across the gender identity spectrum are freer to pursue their genuine goals and talents