An Examination on the Role of Culture and Socialization on South Asian Women’s Pursuit of STEM Education

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of five South Asian women who aspire for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at the University of Western Ontario. It also analyzes the ways in which cultural and societal experiences shape their pursuit of a STEM degree. The research questions being investigated through this study are: (1) How has a South Asian woman’s experiences in the home influenced their own perception of education? (2) What types of experiences have South Asian women had in different levels of schooling? (3) How does cultural identity inform the experiences of South Asian women in their education and social lives? Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings are presented through qualitative narrative storytelling The findings discussed the extent to which the participants’ identities were constructed through home and school life, as well as ideas of educational significance in their cultures.