GENDER PREFERENCES IN THE ENGINEER PROFESSION: OPINION OF

GRADE 11 STEM STUDENTS TO THE PREFERENCE IN ENGINEERING

PROFESSION

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Gender refers to the biologically constructed features of women, men, girls

and boys. This involves norms, attitudes and responsibilities, as well as relationships
with each other, associated with becoming a woman, male, girl or child. Gender

differs from society to society as a social construct that can evolve over time. (Gender

and health. (n.d.).) Economic growth and transformation have had a tremendous effect

on both men's and human lives. During the past century, women. The 20th century

saw the withering of formal division of gender. When women continued to make

substantial contributions to the labour market, school systems, academia, and the

public, the incidents. In many industries, however, many gender disparity challenges,

such as sex inequality, exist. (Gender equality in the workplace: The effect of gender

equality on productivity growth among the Chilean manufacturers. (n.d.).)

Engineering is the use of scientific concepts. And the application of

Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Engineering is a profession in which people

apply scientific theory to develop, design, and analyze solutions. Also, Engineering is

a Field process of constructing bridges, tunnels, highways, cars, and buildings, to

design and create devices, structures, and other artifacts. The work of engineers forms

the connection between research findings and their corresponding applications to the

needs and quality of life of people and industry. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.

Department of Manual Labor (2006). To plan, build and evaluate technical solutions

that are conscious of safety, human factors, physical rules, legislation, practicality,

and expense, engineering is the discipline and profession that applies scientific theory,

mathematical techniques, and empirical facts. In the present period, there are principal

fields of Engineering which are divided into major parts. Chemical engineering, civil

engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering are commonly

regarded to be engineering Fields. (Klein & Frodeman, Mitcham, 2010)

 When college students who graduated in the STEM (science, technology,

engineering, and mathematics) fields began picking a non-STEM field as their major

when they enrolled in college, an abundant amount of instances caught the interest of

society. (Chen & Weko, 2009) Compared with other strands, the STEM strand relies

on advanced ideas and subjects. Students are supposed to become a pilot, an artist, an

astrophysicist, a biologist, a chemist, an engineer, a dentist, a nutritionist, a nurse, a

veterinarian, and much more on this path, and even marine engineers could follow

this path. (Lagarto, Ortiz, Ortiz, and Potestad, according to Orbeta (2018)

In this context, specialized expertise in science, technology, engineering, and

mathematics (STEM) require scientific know-how and the ability to find new

solutions to address these difficulties. The need for a broad and diverse pool of trained

engineers remains as strong as ever, as steady growth in domestic production

demands a continuing supply of highly-skilled engineers in mathematics and science

who are adaptable to the needs of a rapidly evolving career. (UNESCO, 2010)

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Engineering

The term ‘engineering’ originates from the word ‘engineer’ used in the 1300s

for a person who operated a military engine or machine – such as a catapult or, later, a

cannon. The word ‘engine’ in turn derives from the Latin ‘ingenium’ for ingenuity or

cleverness and invention. The word “engineer” literally means ‘one who practices

ingenuity’. The term also relates to the Greek ‘technikos’ relating to art, craft, skill

and practical knowledge (Jackson, 2010). The other definition of engineering in the

Free Dictionary states: The application of scientific and mathematical principles to

practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and

economical structures, machines, processes, and systems. The profession of or the

work performed by an engineer.  Engineering is repeatedly, customarily as' the

science, art, talent, and career of acquiring and applying technological, mathematical,

technical, social and practical knowledge to design and create structures, machines,

devices, systems, materials, and processes that safely enhance people's lives'

(Andrews & Clark, 2012). Jamison (2009) also explained that one of the main

difficulties in discussing the context of engineering is that engineering has some

different meanings and functions, such as scientific, art, and other types of human

creativity: commercial, economic, social, personal, cultural, and human. The

American Engineers' Council for Professional to designed improving" as: 'Creative

implementation of scientific concepts for the purpose of designing or improving

systems, Aratus or production processes or works using them alone or in combination;

to predict or performing the same with complete knowledge of their design; or for the

purpose of predicting their behavior under particular operating conditions; all in

respect of the intended role, operating economy or safety;' (Doyle, 2012)

Gender

Gender appears to denote each social and cultural position within a given culture.

People also form their gender roles in relation to their environment, including family

relationships, the media, friends, and schooling, rather than being purely assigned by

biology, as sex distinctions usually are. (Sex and gender: Meanings, definition,

identity, and expression. (n.d.).)

Gender refers to the roles, attitudes, gestures, and personalities of females, women,

boys, adults, and individuals of different sexes that are socially formed. It affects how

people view themselves and each other, how they behave and communicate, and the

allocation of power and wealth in society. Gender identity is not limited to, nor is it

static to a binary (girl/woman, boy/man); it occurs along a continuum and can evolve

with time. (Government of Canada, C. (2020, April 28).)

The 'external concept' of females and males is gender stereotypes. They vary between

various cultures and communities, races, genders, and during different historical

times. Gender-related functions and duties are also dictated by the configuration of

families, access to services, specific effects of the global economy and other local

influences, such as environmental conditions. (WHAT IS GENDER? (n.d.).)

Gender Preferences

The bulk of the gender preferences literature deals with less developed countries,

where the desire for a balanced number of daughters and sons (or at least one child of

each sex) and a preference for sons (often together with a preference for equilibrium)

is mainly observed. For example, Arnold [1] offers a comprehensive analysis of the

Demographic and Health Surveys of 44 countries in the period from 1986 to 1995.

And that the gender preferences of parents for children are rooted in cultural and

religious practices and norms of the culture, influencing individual attitudes and

behavior.

(Retrieved from https://www.demographic-research.org/Volumes/Vol2/1/html/2.htm)

The term gender preference is often used to describe overt or unconscious sexism in

the workplace through which women are viewed as unable to perform those skills

(e.g., tasks requiring heavy lifting and other such manual labor). (" International

Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. . Encyclopedia.com. 21 Dec. 2020 . (2020,

December 26). In the context of a given culture, sexual decisions made and acts taken

are learned habits affected by human experience. Over eons of mammalian evolution,

these learning mechanisms are "rooted in a biological groundwork of slowly

accumulating changes."

Engineer

Engineers tend to develop economic solutions to engineering challenges; engineers

apply the concepts of science and mathematics. Their task is to connect scientific

findings with business applications that meet the needs of society and the customers.

Likewise, Engineers create and evaluate prototypes, engineers use machines

extensively; to model and measure how a machine, structure, or device operates; to

obtain components specifications; to track the consistency of products; and to regulate

the performance of processes. Nanotechnology, which includes the development,

through the incorporation of atoms and molecules, of high-performance materials and

components, often applies radically new concepts to the design process. (Engineers -

What do Engineers do? (n.d.).

In addition, Engineers overcome challenges, an engineer uses science, technology and

math. In the world around us, we can see engineering everywhere, changing the ways

we work, ride, connect, stay safe, and entertain. (CareerExplorer. (2019, November

14).
In-office buildings, labs, or manufacturing facilities, the bulk of engineer’s work.

Others can spend time outside at construction sites and exploration and manufacturing

sites for oil and gas, where they track or guide operations or solve problems on-site.

Any engineers fly widely here and abroad to factories or worksites. Most engineers

work a regular week of 40 hours. Deadlines or design requirements may also

introduce more strain to a project, forcing engineers to work extra hours. (Engineers -

What do Engineers do? (n.d.).

Engineering

In addition to classes in both mathematics and the physical and life sciences, most

engineering programs offer a specialization of research in an engineering specialty.

Several programs include classes in general engineering as well. Part of the

curriculum of most programs is a modeling tutorial, often supplemented by a

computer or laboratory class or both. General classes that are not specifically

connected to engineering’s, such as those in the social sciences or humanities, are also

often required. (Engineers - What do Engineers do? (n.d.).

Chemical Engineers overcome issues concerning the manufacture or use of chemicals

and other things, apply the principles of chemistry. They design large-scale chemical

processing equipment and procedures, prepare and evaluate methods for

manufacturing chemicals and handling by-products, and oversee production. In a

number of industrial industries other than chemical manufacturing, chemical

engineers still operate, such as those processing oils, electronics, food, clothes, and

paper. (Engineers - What do Engineers do? (n.d.).

Civil engineers are the construction of highways, houses, airports, tunnels, dams,

bridges, and water supply and sanitation infrastructure is planned and supervised.

From the building costs and estimated lifespan of a project to regulatory legislation

and future environmental risks such as earthquakes and hurricanes, several variables

must be taken into consideration in the planning process. (Engineers - What do

Engineers do? (n.d.).

Electrical engineer is the development of electrical equipment is planned, produced,

tested, and supervised. Electric motors; machinery controls, lighting and wiring in

buildings; radar and navigation systems; communications systems; and power

generation, distribution, and transmitting devices used by electrical utilities are part of

this equipment. communications systems; and power generation, control, and

transmission devices used by electric utilities. (Engineers - What do Engineers do?

(n.d.).

Mechanical Engineers is the tools, motors, computers, and other mechanical devices

are studied, planned, built, manufactured, and tested. One of the broadest fields of

engineering in mechanical engineering. In this discipline, engineers focus on power-

producing devices such as electric motors, internal combustion engines, and turbines

for steam and gas. (Engineers - What do Engineers do? (n.d.).

STEM

STEM is a program focused on the concept of an interdisciplinary and applied

approach to educating students in four specific disciplines: science, technology,

engineering and mathematics. STEM incorporates them into a coherent learning

model focused on real-world implementations, rather than teaching the four

disciplines as distinct and isolated subjects. (What is STEM Education? (n.d.).

Appertaining to the U. S. Commerce Department, STEM occupations are

increasing at 17%, while other occupations are growing at 9.8%. Also in non-STEM

occupations, STEM degree holders have a higher salary. Jobs in science, technology,

engineering, and mathematics play a vital role in the U.S. economy's continued

development and prosperity and are a crucial component of helping the U.S. win the

future. Training develops critical thinkers, increases the literacy of science, and

encourages the next generation to participate. (Kids, P. (2016, February 02).

STEM is vital as it pervades every aspect of our lives. In the world around us,

science is everywhere. In every part of our lives, technology is constantly expanding.

The basic structures of roads and bridges are infrastructure, but it also solves the

problems of changing global weather and changing our home in an environmentally

sustainable way. In our lives, mathematics is in every profession, every operation we

do. They will grow a love for it by introducing students to STEM and giving them

chances to investigate STEM-related topics, and ideally find a career in a STEM field.

Objective of the study

The researcher study pertains to determine the connection of gender in engineering

field. So, the study specifically contains explanation why gender preferences occur

and the factors affecting these preferences. This study also aims to clear the

misunderstanding in engineering beliefs that there are certain genders who should

take this course. Furthermore, that this field of engineering is more on skilled work

that causes misleading image for engineers and lack of interest from other women and
men. Thus, this research encourages men and women to take and discover the field of

engineering. And that the bond and connection of each gender is restored and create a

more unified field of work. Generally, this study creates a way to further develop

research studies regarding this matter.

Significance of the study

The research study determines to recognize the Gender Preferences in the Engineering

Profession: Opinion of Grade 11 STEM Students to the Preference in Engineering

Profession. This study provides information on the upcoming and present engineer

students in Manuel Enverga University, Quezon.

For Students, the findings of the study would help in asserting themselves in taking

courses especially in the field of engineering. This also helps them to deepen their

understanding in regards to the concepts, knowledge and relationship of engineering.

For Engineers, the finding of the study will provide a clear understanding that will

help in improving the relationship of every men and women in the field of

engineering. Also, this connection would help in taking the differences of each to

create and solve problems that will help our economy to grow and nurture.

For Teachers, the research findings would help them to encourage their students to

take engineering as their college courses to gain and to have a more improved

engineers for the betterment of the future. This will also help them to learn and will

apply this to their students to give them advices and learnings that will help them in

supporting them.
For Parents, the findings of the study would assist them in helping their children in

choosing their college courses. This will also help them in understanding why and

what their children do in engineering field and that this learning would help them in

encouraging them to reach their full potential.

For Administrator, the findings of the study would help them in creating a more

unified and improved program to help the engineering students to fodder their skills

and knowledge. This will also help them to understand and console their students in

regards their concerns to their courses.

For Future Researchers, the findings of the study would support them in regards to

research studies same with this study. This also helps to encourage them to further

develop and create studies regarding the relationship between gender and engineering

courses.

For Society, this will help them to avoid creating conflict and misunderstanding

regards to engineering and that this will also clear those beliefs. This will also lead to

maximize and create a more effort on the engineering.

For Economy, this will give new possibilities as we encourage the connection of men

and women in the engineering. And that will help in finding solutions that will

increase our economy’s performance.

Statement of the problems

The Study aims to find tout the answer on the several research questions such as.

• What is the perception of grade 11 students specifically STEM students into

Gender Preference in Engineering Field?

• What are the problems of Gender Preference in the Engineering Field?

• Why do Men’s are preferred than woman’s in the Engineering Field?

• What are the characteristics of a STEM students in choosing the Field of

Engineering?

Purpose of the study

This research intends to determine the perspective of the grade 11 students, relating to

gender preference in the Engineering Field. Regarding to STEM students are qualified

in Engineering Course and does it affect its performance and skill if gender

Preference are a possible factor in the Engineering Field. In addition, this research

conducts the effect of gender inequality to the Engineering Courses. This research

aims to discuss the perspectives of students in Manuel S Enverga University

Foundation Candelaria. This Research purpose is to give an opportunity to grade 11

students taking STEM track in the university. the researcher would like to discuss if

STEM students are more qualified with their skills during in senior high school. As

we discuss to this research that engineering course is a course that applies the law of

physics and chemistry and Mathematics. Specially Stem Students are a track that

analyze and study scientific and methods and the application of its track to the

industry. This also this discuss the 4 major field in the engineering industry,

furthermore we discuss that the 4 major primary Engineering course which are,

Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer and Mechanical Engineer.

Between this field we would discuss the perspectives of Grade 11 students taking

STEM track. The researcher also aims to dicuss the problems when taking

Engineering Courses. Furthermore, this research discusses why in the Engineering

Field Mens are more selected than women. This also discusses the possible factors

why do women don’t choose engineering courses. Besides this study pertains to also

to learn the field of engineering. Including engineers in the industry. Which course

would they choose and does the skill of STEM students are qualified to these different

courses? Besides this research analyze the opinion of the students taking Engineering

courses in the future. It also discusses the unsatisfactory selection of Men and Female

Engineering Graduates. Likewise, this research aims to give encouragement and

provide sufficient information that will help and determine the following factor

between Gender Preference in the Engineering industry. In the same way this research

discuss why Gender in equality is a factor in working in the industry of Engineering.

Definition of Terms

Chemical Engineering –They design large-scale chemical processing equipment and

procedures, prepare and evaluate methods for manufacturing chemicals and handling

by-products, and oversee production.

Civil engineering – Oldest engineering discipline that encompasses on structural,

water management, building, transport, and geotechnical engineering which are the

main ones.

Electrical Engineering – this course purpose is to design, develop, test, and

supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment. 

Engineering – aims to establish economic solutions to scientific challenges, the ideals

of science and mathematics are applied.

Engineering Fields – engineering course has its branches where in it is divided

specifically chemical, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering.

Gender – refers to the roles, attitudes, gestures, and personalities of females, women,

boys, adults, and individuals of different sexes that are socially formed

Gender Inequality – Assumption of social and cultural positions that are stereotyped

that affects gender and creating different rights and dignities to both men and women.

Gender Preference – It is used to identify the preference of biological parents for

either a male or female child and to obtain the outcome, to the extreme use number of

odious practices.

Mechanical Engineering – they are specifically in the area of tools, motors,

computers, and other mechanical devices are studied, planned, built, manufactured,

and tested.

STEM – it stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This course

develops and helps students pursue STEM related courses.

References

1 Andrews, E. and Clark, R. (2012). “Breaking Down Barriers: Teenage Girls’

Perceptions of Engineering as a Study and Career Choice”, Paper presented at

SEFI 40th Annual Conference on” Gender & Diversity in Engineering

education” 23-26 September, 2012, Tressaliniki, Greece.

2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Manual Labor (2006).

"Engineers". Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006–07 Edition. Retrieved 21

September 2006.
3 CareerExplorer. (2019, November 14). What does an engineer do? Retrieved

December 26, 2020, from https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/engineer/

4 Chen, X., & Weko, T. (2009). Students who study science, technology,

engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in postsecondary education. U.S.

Department of Education.

5 Engineers - What do Engineers do? (n.d.). Retrieved December 26, 2020, from

https://studentscholarships.org/salary/679/engineers.php?

fbclid=IwAR1iCTu97h0TqZL1Rc0TDLKv0UJkxEbKEnI2KmdxnF3oh8BjU

RLeFzIzfGk

6 Doyle, P. (2012).What is engineering and an engineer?. The Royal Academy

of Engineering, National STEM program, [Online] Available: http://www.

what_is engineering.pdf (May 17, 2016).

7 Gender and health. (n.d.). Retrieved December 24, 2020, from

https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender

8 Gender equality in the workplace: The effect of gender equality on

productivity growth among the Chilean manufacturers. (n.d.). Retrieved

December 24, 2020, from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294576596_Gender_equality_in_the

_workplace_The_effect_of_gender_equality_on_productivity_growth_among

_the_Chilean_manufacturers

9 " International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. . Encyclopedia.com. 21

Dec. 2020 . (2020, December 26). Retrieved December 26, 2020, from

https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/applied-and-social-sciences-

magazines/preference-gender
10 Government of Canada, C. (2020, April 28). What is gender? What is sex?

Retrieved December 26, 2020, from https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/48642.html

11 Jamison, A. (2009). The historiography of engineering contexts. In S.H.

Christensen, B. Delahourse &M. Meganch. Engineering in context (pp 49-60).

Arhus Academica.

12 Jackson, P. (2010). Engineering UK to investigate why UK has lowest number

of female engineers in Europe. engineering UK. London: CIPD Publishing.

[Online] Available: http://www.engineeringuk.com (May 10, 2016).

13 Julie Thompson Klein, Robert Frodeman, Carl Mitcham. The Oxford

Handbook of Interdisciplinary. Oxford University Press, 2010. (pp. 149–150)

14 Kids, P. (2016, February 02). Why Is STEM Education So Important?

Retrieved December 26, 2020, from

https://www.engineeringforkids.com/about/news/2016/february/why-is-stem-

education-so-important-/?fbclid=IwAR0QjpqRR1KmqsRYr4xfv_zVj-0bg2V-

3fnfLlyxOuarBtN6WniW_hgwwhk

15 (n.d.). Retrieved December 26, 2020, from https://www.demographic-

research.org/Volumes/Vol2/1/html/2.htm

16 Orbeta, A. C. Jr., Lagarto, M. B., Ortiz, M. K. P., Ortiz, D. A. P., & Potestad,

M. V. (2018). Senior high school and the labor market: Perspectives of Grade

12 students and human resource officers. In Discussion Paper Series,

No.2018-49.

https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1849_rev.pdf
17 Sex and gender: Meanings, definition, identity, and expression. (n.d.).

Retrieved December 26, 2020, from

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363

18 UNESCO (2010). Engineering: Issues Challenges and Opportunities for

Development. United Nations educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization, 7, place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France, ISBN 978-92-

3-104156-3.

19 WHAT IS GENDER? (n.d.). Retrieved December 26, 2020, from

http://www.fao.org/3/y5608e/y5608e01.htm

20 What is STEM Education? (n.d.). Retrieved December 26, 2020, from

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.livescience.com/amp/43296-what-is-

stem-education.html