In educational institutions, a prevailing pattern is observed where girls often gravitate towards arts as their primary field of study, while boys exhibit a preference for science. This essay aims to explore the underlying reasons contributing to this phenomenon before presenting my stance on whether this inclination should be altered.
Primarily, the inclination of women towards arts can be attributed to their inherent attraction to creative expressions such as paintings and literature. Conversely, men tend to display a greater curiosity for scientific knowledge and are more inclined to embrace challenges. Additionally, societal norms play a significant role in perpetuating this trend. For instance, some parents perceive science education as time-consuming and financially burdensome. Consequently, when daughters are expected to eventually marry and leave their parental homes, they are often discouraged from pursuing science-related fields in higher education. In contrast, sons are often viewed as the torchbearers of the family’s future success, leading parents to actively encourage them to pursue science disciplines by providing necessary support and resources. As a result, there is a notable disparity in the number of boys opting for science courses.
Nevertheless, I firmly oppose this gender-based trend. The aptitude of individuals should not be judged based on gender stereotypes. Parents should focus on nurturing their children’s talents and abilities without being influenced by traditional gender roles. A compelling example is the late Kalpana Chawla, an esteemed astronaut from India who defied societal expectations by choosing a career in science with unwavering support from her parents. Her remarkable journey led her to work at NASA, showcasing the importance of parental encouragement irrespective of gender biases. In our society, female role models like Er. Sarita Regmi, the first female aeronautical engineer in the country, serve as inspirations for young women considering careers in STEM fields.