Predictors of women entry in STEM degree programs in the Philippines

• Main Authors: Llenares, Ian I., Deocaris, Custer C.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2014
• Subjects: Women in science—Philippines; Women in technology—Philippines; Scientists—Vocational guidance—Philippines; Engineers—Vocational guidance—Philippines; Engineering; Physical Sciences and Mathematics
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/5472
• Institution: De La Salle University

Women are generally underrepresented in professional careers, especially in the STEM fields. Although observed in most parts of the world, such gender disparity is not true in the Philippines where there are more licensed professional women than men. We explore predictors for career choice among 34 women in engineering and architectural degree programs who were among top academic performers from the Technological Institute of the Philippines, Quezon City. Data have been gathered on intrinsic (self-awareness, educational and technical background) and extrinsic (socio-economic status, perceived career opportunities, and obstacles to domestic roles) variables. Type of secondary school (p<0.001), attitude (p=0.005) and interest (p=0.024) emerge as significant predictors accounting for 78% of the variation in the outcome. While the female students perceive that the profession will provide them opportunities for career advancement yet present potential conflict in their domestic roles, these extrinsic factors do not exert significant contribution to their career choice.