Engineering Identity, Essay Example

Identity can refer to an individual’s self-identification to a particular group. Science and engineering majors have been put into a category of their own identify. For instance, Asian Americans are thought to have the largest percentage of graduation rates in the Science and Engineering field.  (Bayers-Winston et al., 2010)  In addition, the engineering students are assumed to be the best at the math and sciences.  Automatically, the students must excel in these subjects and the subjects in the arts and humanities are put aside.  Furthermore, women in this field are competing with the men who have been part of this field and excelled in this field for many years. Therefore, as an engineering student there are cultural and societal challenges in regard to sex, race, and society view on engineers. In addition, an engineer is taught to think scientifically and there is a lack of social context.

It has been indicated that science and engineering will be the foundation of the economy in the United States during the 21^st century and therefore, there are many students entering this field.  Surveys performed for freshman college students in a science and engineering major found that several cultures enter this field, but some capable students, such as white women students have left this major due to an uncomfortable classroom experience.  Students have indicated that the “normal” type of engineering student, such as an Asian American, can be perceived differently by other students and faculty.  Studies have shown that ethnic identify can shape academic confidence; therefore, negative reinforcement towards a particular race in the classroom can result in the lack of success. In addition, cultural awareness and pride have also been a part of the student success.  Parents of engineering students may highly support this field, which can increase motivation to succeed.. (Bayers-Winston et al., 2010)

Overall, there are several cultural and societal views that put engineering students into their own class.  Positive attitudes towards different ethnic groups will help foster a positive influence on engineering students.

Works Cited

Bayers-Winston, A. et al.  Influence of Social Cognitive and Ethnic Variables on Academic Goals of Underrepresented Students in Science and Engineering: A Multiple-Groups Analysis. J Couns Psychol. Apr 2010. 57(2): 205–218.