Equilibrated Pendulum: Gender Equality in Physics

Abstract

The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields is a widely known phenomenon. In this paper, the various causes and implications of this are introduced and discussed, with a particular focus on physics. A qualitative study is performed where discussions with faculty members provide the perspectives of professors and administrative staff to give some insight into the measures that are already in place or being worked on towards this issue, as well as the perceived challenges that have to be tackled. Larger initiatives that have taken place or are taking place are also introduced. Additionally, year-by-year data of employment and enrollment statistics are analyzed which show a clear, although slow, trend towards a more equal campus. Lastly, the report concludes with a summary of everything that was learned from the study to provide suggestions for further measures that could be taken to approach a more diverse and nonthreatening environment.