Women in science and technology studies. A study about the influence of parents on their children's choice of speciality. And about the trend of the different specialities in Spanish students

Abstract

This research investigates the reasons for the lack of enrollment of women in science careers, a strong trend in Spain and many other countries. One of the branches of knowledge in which this lack of women is most noticeable in computing. The hypothesis is that parents' academic training could influence their children's academic training and orientation towards scientific specialities. This analysis includes the first two grades of hihg school. In the Spanish Educational System, students choose their speciality in these two final stages, so their university future is conditioned. It has designed a survey that includes questions about parents' training and employment. One hundred sixty-eight students answered thus survey of the Baccalaureate and Technical / Professional Schools in Spain. The results and conclusions set out the necessary bases to design a tool that simulates students' behaviour when they enrol. And identify the premises considered during the choice of studies. It would be interesting to get a system that encourages the motivation of women for scientific careers.