STEM Push explores the multifaceted history of women's involvement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, moving beyond simple explanations to uncover the intricate factors influencing female participation. It challenges the notion of linear progress, highlighting how social attitudes, educational policies like Title IX, and economic conditions have created both advances and setbacks. One intriguing fact is the fluctuating nature of female representation in STEM, influenced by historical events such as the post-Sputnik era's emphasis on science education. The book adopts a data-driven approach, using census records, enrollment statistics, and biographical data to examine trends in STEM education and careers. It analyzes the impact of landmark legislation and cultural shifts while incorporating insights from sociology, economics, and education to offer a comprehensive perspective. By focusing on verifiable trends rather than anecdotes, STEM Push provides an evidence-based understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing women in STEM, making it valuable for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in promoting gender equity in these fields.

The book begins by establishing a historical foundation of early challenges women faced in STEM. It progresses through key periods, detailing the impact of legislation and cultural norms, and concludes with an economic impact analysis of gender disparities in STEM.