Gender Stereotypes and Biases: Examining the Impact of Stereotypical Beliefs about Women's Abilities in Engineering and Their Effects on Confidence and Performance

Gender stereotypes and biases continue to shape perceptions of women's capabilities in STEM fields, particularly in engineering. Despite progress in gender equality, persistent societal beliefs about innate gender differences in technical aptitude contribute to lower self-confidence and impaired academic performance among female engineering students. This narrative review synthesizes existing literature on how gender stereotypes influence women's experiences in engineering education, focusing on stereotype threat, implicit bias, and institutional barriers. Findings suggest that exposure to negative stereotypes undermines self-efficacy, increases anxiety, and discourages persistence in the field. However, interventions such as mentorship programs, stereotype inoculation, and inclusive pedagogy can mitigate these effects. By addressing systemic biases and fostering supportive environments, educational institutions can enhance gender equity in engineering.

کلیدواژه ها:

Gender stereotypes ، engineering education ، stereotype threat ، self-confidence ، academic performance ، implicit bias ، women in STEM