Comparative Political Economy of STEM and Gender - Why Don't Japanese Girls Choose STEM?

Overview

This article analyzes the obstacles to women's choices in STEM fields in Japan and gender gaps at educational stages. ## Main Points ### 1. Current State of Gender Gap in STEM Fields - Female ratio in science and engineering: 15.7% (lowest in OECD) - Engineering: 12.4%, Science: 27.8% - Graduate school advancement: 15% for women in STEM (35% for men) - Researchers: Female ratio 17.5% (lowest among developed countries) ### 2. Divergence Points by Educational Stage - Elementary school: No gender difference in science and math performance - Junior high school: Sharp increase in girls' math aversion (42%) - High school: Science selection rate 25% for girls, 45% for boys - University entrance exams: Women comprise 20% of STEM applicants ### 3. Obstacle Factor Analysis - **Social bias**: "Science is for men" stereotype (65% of parents) - **Lack of role models**: Few female teachers and researchers - **Educational environment**: Male-centered atmosphere, concerns about sexual harassment - **Career anxiety**: Difficulty balancing marriage and childbearing ### 4. International Comparison and Japan's Peculiarity - South Korea: Female ratio 28% (doubled in 10 years) - China: 40% of STEM students are women - Nordic countries: Nearly equal gender ratio - Japan: Almost flat for 20 years ### 5. Improvement Measure Recommendations - Primary education: Increase female teachers in science and math - Secondary education: Expand STEM programs for girls - Universities: Set female quotas, preferential scholarships - Corporate cooperation: Internships, mentoring systems - Consciousness reform: Awareness activities for parents and teachers The article concludes that women's active participation in STEM fields is directly related to Japan's competitiveness, and structural reform of the entire education system is urgently needed.