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One of the world’s largest engineering institutions is warning against gender stereotyping of toys in the run-up to Christmas amid concern it could be discouraging girls from pursuing a career in engineering and technology. Research by the Institution for Engineering and Technology (IET) found that toys with a science, technology, engineering and maths focus were three times as likely to be targeted at boys than girls. And despite high-profile recent campaigns that have had some success, toys for girls are still overwhelmingly pink.
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Toys can influence what a child does in later years, experts believe.
The IET’s mission is to encourage more girls to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology. Latest figures show women account for just 9% of engineers in the UK, despite enthusiasm among girls at primary school for information and communications technology (ICT) and computing (according to recent IET research, 39% say they enjoy it), maths (38%) and science (36%). |
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“Societal stereotypes driving these gendered listings could be having a knock-on effect for the next generation of engineers, especially girls, impacting their future career choices,” the IET warned.
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Iv of IV: Girls & their interests: influenced early by toys : A study by
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How often have you heard a student say "I'm not good at math or science?" University of Washington researchers have learned that girls in particular draw conclusions about their science and technology abilities much earlier than anyone suspected – even by the time they start elementary school. We speak with a researcher about ways to boost girls' interest in science and technology. |
Science
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Technology
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Engineering
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Mathematics
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Empowerment
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