New national data suggest gender stereotypes still shape how students and their families view STEM careers – but targeted storytelling may help change those perceptions.
The findings come from an evaluation survey conducted by Future You, a STEM outreach initiative hosted by UNSW. The survey engaged more than 600 participants, including teachers, parents and children, and examined perceptions of STEM careers and the impact of real-world role-model stories.
The results revealed strong gendered assumptions about certain occupations. Seventy-five per cent of children believed heavy vehicle mechanic roles were more suitable for men, while 31 per cent viewed aerospace engineering as men’s work. In contrast, 62 per cent believed nursing was more suitable for women.
However, the research also found these views could shift, even after a single exposure to counter-stereotypical stories. Participants watched a video featuring role models such as a male nurse and a female heavy vehicle mechanic.
After viewing the video, gender stereotyping decreased. The change was most pronounced among parents and carers, who initially held the strongest stereotypes. Perceptions about heavy vehicle mechanics shifted by 34 per cent after participants heard from Louise, a female mechanic, while views about nursing shifted by 28 per cent after hearing from Stuart, a male nurse.
The survey also highlighted a gap between students’ recognition of STEM’s importance and their own career aspirations. While 92 per cent of children said jobs using STEM were “very or pretty important” for the world, only 47 per cent could see themselves in a STEM-related career.
Importantly, 38 per cent said they were unsure – suggesting a large group of students who may be open to influence. Researchers noted that if this undecided cohort could be engaged, as many as 85 per cent of children could potentially see a future in STEM.
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, Future You Ambassador and former Australian Government Women in STEM Ambassador, said the findings reinforced the value of diverse role models.
“These findings show the power of relatable storytelling from diverse role models and support an existing body of evidence showing that parents and carers play a crucial role in shaping how children understand who belongs in STEM careers,” she said.
“If we’re serious about engaging more young people from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM careers, then we need a renewed effort to work with young people and their families to shape societal attitudes.”
Future You is a free national program for children aged 8–12, offering curriculum-aligned resources built around real-world STEM role models and short stories designed to challenge stereotypes.
