An analytical study on the lower enrolment of female physicists in research and development in India

Multiple social and cultural factors influence female representation in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education fields. This study is focused on the factors responsible for the low enrollment of women in Physics research in India. A methodical-iterative technique has been used to identify the main reasons for the low enrollment of females compared to men in the Physics research program. A survey of female students enrolled in the Master’s or Doctorate in Physics program was conducted to identify the factors they considered significant to their science education, interest in Physics, and future research-related aspirations. An analysis of the survey data revealed various social factors like early marriage, gender discrimination, and family and peer pressure being responsible for their lower enrollment. The study revealed that policy-amenable factors should be incorporated and encouraged, including a compassionate and supportive academic environment.