Gender Biases and Gender Stereotypes in STEM Sectors: A Systematic Literature Review

Gender inequality has been recognized as an outstanding feature in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sectors. There are some pre-described works and behaviors for each gender and especially this influences significantly on people's career paths. Hindering gender equality in workplace causes biases in recruitment, career choice, and job satisfaction. This was stated as one of the common issues to improve and utilize one's skills and abilities regardless of the gender. Gender biases and gender stereotypes can be identified in highly paid job fields. The effects of these gender discriminations also do influence on selecting the STEM subjects at schools. There are published data in this regard in most of the other countries. This paper aims to summarize the information on the effect of gender bias and gender stereotypes in STEM sectors through a comprehensive literature review. This review shows that there is a significant impact of gender bias and gender stereotypes in the STEM sectors. These factors also affect the job recruitment process and promotion process within institutes in the related fields. Further, one's career choice is highly influenced by the stereotypes prevail in the society. Therefore, gender stereotypes have a negative impact on women's career choice towards the STEM sectors. Hence, the importance of exploring this research field is conveyed while promoting a more equitable and diverse future for the STEM fields.