Abstract:
An understanding of gender dynamics in science and technology is based on the
perspective of how social norms, values and attitudes dictate differentials in the
participation of male and female in these fields. This in essence calls for a critical
consideration of the forces, naturally and socially ascribed, that influence the
choices that women and men make, both in education and professional alienation.
While gender refers to socially ascribed differences between males and females as
women, men, girls and boys, there are notable natural differences dictated by sex
that cannot be ignored. The discussion thus zeroes into what males and females can
do, and what they think they can do or are expected to do by the society. The ideal
is therefore on the differences between nature and nurture and by extension, sex and
gender. The argument is that more than the physiological make up of an individual,
the concept of gender is responsible for the female’s lack of venture into science
and technology, viewing it as a no go zone, hence male dominated in theory and
practice. While education as a whole is important in empowering individuals, skills
and knowledge in mathematics, science and technology are known to guarantees
a place in the related world of work. The existence of glaring gender disparities
in the participation in science and technology on the basis of gender is a global
concern; hence a need to engage in scaling up strategies to encourage female to
intensify their interest and participation in these areas, while ensuring that boys
and men stay on.
