The fourth industrial revolution and gender disparity: Is anything changing?

Abstract

Gender disparity is present in the field of engineering and more broadly STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Statistical data on the enrollment in one of technical faculties in the Republic of Serbia over three decades illustrate this phenomenon, and there is a similar situation everywhere in the world. The negative effects of the under-representation of women in these areas on society and the economy have been recognized and a number of measures have been taken to mitigate them. With rapid technological changes, information technology development and the fourth industrial revolution, the labor market is changing and the global demand for STEM professions is growing. This paper discusses the impact that these technological changes may have on the existing disparity between women and men in the mentioned areas.

Keywords

• engineering
• stem
• gender disparity
• 4ir