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This study explores the factors influencing the career decisions of female Ph.D. researchers in mechanical and electrical communication engineering in Japan, where gender imbalance is pronounced. In order to understand the specific motivations and barriers for females choosing to pursue research in this field, the Trajectory Equifinality Approach (TEA), which is a qualitative research method to investigate the interaction between social factors and the career decision-making process was used. The interviews were conducted with two female researchers in this field following the TEA method, and their values in choosing life paths were shown. The key findings include the impacts of early exposure to the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and interpersonal relationships on career choices. The study suggests promoting researchers in STEM fields to engage in school education and fostering supportive research environments could be essential to increasing female researchers in this field. These strategies could enhance female participation and contribute to securing competent personnel with Ph.D.s.

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Understanding Career Decision-Making Processes of Female Ph.D. Researchers in the Field of Engineering by Trajectory Equifinality Approach

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Reika Abe,
  • Kimi Ueda,
  • Hirotake Ishii,
  • Hiroshi Shimoda

摘要

This study explores the factors influencing the career decisions of female Ph.D. researchers in mechanical and electrical communication engineering in Japan, where gender imbalance is pronounced. In order to understand the specific motivations and barriers for females choosing to pursue research in this field, the Trajectory Equifinality Approach (TEA), which is a qualitative research method to investigate the interaction between social factors and the career decision-making process was used. The interviews were conducted with two female researchers in this field following the TEA method, and their values in choosing life paths were shown. The key findings include the impacts of early exposure to the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and interpersonal relationships on career choices. The study suggests promoting researchers in STEM fields to engage in school education and fostering supportive research environments could be essential to increasing female researchers in this field. These strategies could enhance female participation and contribute to securing competent personnel with Ph.D.s.