Feminization of the precarious at the UNAM: examining obstacles to gender equality

Abstract

The STEM workforce is marked by the persistent underrepresentation of women. Herein we seek a better understanding of this gender gap in different science disciplines within Latin America. Specifically, we analyzed the professional development of women in science research institutions of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Our analysis deepened how horizontal and vertical segregation are combined with symbolic and structural obstacles, as well as economic labor precariousness, within the framework of gender norms. We explored shared trends in the Global North to explore the perpetuation of gender stereotypes in the production of scientific knowledge; and investigated the relationship between the values implied in gender norms and the cultural capital represented in each of the disciplines. As a result, we evidenced that the knowledge areas that currently represent the highest cultural capital (pSTEM) mainly pose symbolic (and less structural) obstacles for women. Conversely, women in fields with less masculine-coded values face mainly structural barriers. This information sheds light on the gender biases that exclude women from STEM.