Raina Shaw

Senior Project Advisor

Kevin Covey

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2022

Keywords

gender, research, geology, physics, WWU, climate assessment

Abstract

This research study aims to assess and analyze gendered differences in student perceptions of the environment and climate in WWU’s Geology and Physics & Astronomy Departments. Underlying hypotheses involve the perceptions, comfort, and discrimination of women and gender minorities in male-dominated spaces. We also theorize that these gendered differences will increase with seniority and more so within physics than in geology. In addition to testing these hypotheses, we sought to collect relevant student feedback on factors that influence their perceptions of the climate & environment, to identify areas for future study and formal program assessment. From 56 respondents, this study found gendered differences are more apparent with gender minorities than women, but both groups report more discrimination than men. Gendered differences in survey responses do not increase with seniority and are not more prevalent in physics than geology. However, students do report more discomfort and discrimination within physics contexts than in similar geology settings.

Department

Physics/Astronomy

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Universities and colleges--Departments--Sex differences--Washington (State)--Bellingham; Science--Study and teaching--Sex differences--Washington (State)--Bellingham

Subjects - Names (LCNAF)

Western Washington University

Geographic Coverage

Bellingham (Wash.)

Genre/Form

essays

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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