Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Sociology and Criminology

Advisor/Mentor

Dr. Christianne Corbett

Committee Member

Dr. Shauna Morimoto

Second Committee Member

Dr. Rodica Lisnic

Abstract

This study investigates the potential relationship between the gendered socialization of risk preferences and the selection of a college major. Women are underrepresented in many fields of study, but especially in those related to science, technology, engineering, and math (S.T.E.M). Careers in STEM fields tend to require degree paths that require difficult classes, with lower average grade points, and a high chance of failure. As of 2023, only 24% of the student body in the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas was composed of women (Uark 2023). These high-pressure, male-dominated environments have been found to lose women at higher rates than men. One study found that only 48% of participating women persisted in their STEM major compared to 65% of men (Koch et al. 2022). This research seeks to better understand the extent to which gendered socialization processes that lower comfort with risk in women contribute to this gender gap by influencing the decision-making process when selecting a career path. Specifically, it investigates whether a pattern exists of gendered socialization of risk preferences contributing to fewer women opting into STEM majors. Results show a statistically significant relationship between parent influence and comfort with risk, with both men and women who reported being closest to a woman at various age ranges also reporting lower comfort with risk. Less comfort with risk was found to correlate with the selection of a non-STEM major among both men and women.

Keywords

STEM; Gender; Risk; College Major

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