Exploratory study of family factors that influence the choice of studies in female engineering students

Abstract

The data shows that there are few women in STEM grades, and this is one of the biggest challenges facing educational systems. In this context, the main objective of this paper is to present the results of a broader investigation that, among others, has aimed to analyse the influence of perceived family support and barriers in women who study engineering grades at a Spanish university. The life stories of 11 students has been used to hold the main life events that have an influence on academic and professional decisions. Likewise, 3 focus groups were held with some of these students to discuss, collectively, about common vital events that were decisive in their vocational choices. It has been revealed that several factors contribute to the student’s academic choice, and the family was a socializing environment that helps / determine the choice. Our results confirm that games and extra-school activities chosen in the family, when students were children, have an important influence. It is also concluded that the family is a fundamental support in the crucial moments surrounding the choice of STEM degree. The data also shows that many students have had family members who have studied or work in the field of engineering.