Publisher's Synopsis
Women remain woefully underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Negative stereotypes about women as scientists, technologists, and engineers are pervasive in our culture, as is the belief—which has been proven false in multiple studies—that women naturally have less aptitude than men in science and math.
Television, one of the most pervasive forms of popular media in the United States, has the potential to affect public perception of women in STEM. While some TV series offer diverse portrayals that challenge common stereotypes, others reinforce troubling cultural biases, sometimes even as writers and producers attempt to champion women in STEM fields. The essays in this collection examine numerous popular television series, from children's programs to primetime shows, and discuss the ways in which these narratives inform cultural ideas about women in STEM.
