The Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On The Development Of Stem Identity, Choice, And Persistence, Shawna Adams

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This mixed-methods study seeks to investigate the direct effect that socioeconomic status (SES) has on a student's identity, choice, and persistence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). There is a diversity and wage gap among the STEM workforce, which is comprised largely of White males with higher salaries than their counterparts. Underrepresented minority groups (URMs) are more likely to come from low SES and typically have fewer educational resources. Identifying the relationship of SES across student groups can yield insights about how to address inequitable practices and increase STEM diversity. Quantitative data was collected via a STEM survey, …