Social identity management strategies of women in STEM fields

Recruiting and retaining women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations is seen as challenging, and researchers have begun to consider how women manage their identity in these contexts in response to potential questions of fit. Within identity management theoretical work, there has been little attention to occupational influences. Based on role congruity theory, we investigate occupational characteristics as influences on women's gender identity management, along with individual differences and organizational support influences. Results suggest that engaging in identity management behaviours is unrelated to the gender stereotypicality or gender composition of the field, but that support, fit (i.e., congruence between the interests of the individual and occupation), and personality affect engagement in these behaviours. Implications for enhancing the experiences of women in STEM fields as well as for social identity-related research more broadly are discussed. Practitioner points Individuals may differ in how they choose to address stigmatization at work, based on their personality and fit with the position. Perceived organizational support is associated with willingness to engage in stigmatization confronting strategies. Efforts to understand and affect identity management strategy use should consider individual characteristics (i.e., interests and personality).