Outdated Stereotype of Engineers? - 26/11/17 2:27 PM
Engineering’s reputation damaged by outdated ‘white male’ stereotype, says IET
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Outdated ideas among schoolchildren and parents about engineering are damaging the industry, the IET has warned, after a study found that most youngsters believed a typical engineer was white, middle-aged and male.
A survey of more than 1,000 children aged nine to 16 showed that fewer than one in 10 described a typical engineer as a woman.
The IET said its research also revealed that many schoolchildren believed engineers have glasses, beards and short brown hair and wear hard hats, protective eyewear and high-visibility jackets.
A survey of more than 2,000 parents found similar outdated stereotyping of the profession.
A survey of more than 1,000 children aged nine to 16 showed that fewer than one in 10 described a typical engineer as a woman.
The IET said its research also revealed that many schoolchildren believed engineers have glasses, beards and short brown hair and wear hard hats, protective eyewear and high-visibility jackets.
A survey of more than 2,000 parents found similar outdated stereotyping of the profession.
E&T Engineering and Technology