Girls who indulge in mobile game development are three times more likely to pursue science and technology degrees compared to their non-gaming counterparts. According to recent research from the University of Surrey, this phenomenon is particularly pronounced among 13-14 year old girls who are avid gamers, playing over nine hours a week.
The study, funded by the British Academy and published in Computers in Human Behaviour, reveals that these "heavy gamers" are significantly more likely to opt for physical science, technology, engineering, or maths (PSTEM) degrees. Moreover, an astonishing 100% of girls already enrolled in PSTEM degrees identified themselves as gamers.
Interestingly, this trend doesn't hold true for boys. While a similar proportion of male gamers exist regardless of degree type, it seems that boys are less pressured to conform to the video gamer stereotype if they're studying a PSTEM degree. This raises questions about the pressure on girls to fit traditional gender roles and stereotypes in gaming.
Dr. Anesa Hosein, a Physics graduate with a self-confessed "Geek Girl" past, led the research. As Programme Director of PhD in Higher Education at Surrey, she believes that identifying and targeting certain female groups early may be key to encouraging more women to study PSTEM subjects at degree level and beyond.
Dr. Hosein emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing these "Geek Girls" from a young age. By doing so, we can encourage them to pursue careers in mobile game development and other STEM fields, ultimately bridging the gender gap in these areas.
To achieve this goal, educators can use the study's findings to increase girls' participation in PSTEM subjects. This might involve identifying "Geek Girls" early on and encouraging them to explore PSTEM degree pathways through events like gaming expert talks or workshops. Additionally, incorporating gaming elements into PSTEM education can help engage girl gamers and make learning more enjoyable.
The study, titled "Girls' Video Gaming Behaviour and Undergraduate Degree Selection: A Secondary Data Analysis Approach," highlights the crucial role that early identification and encouragement play in inspiring young women to pursue careers in mobile game development and other STEM fields. By embracing this phenomenon, we can unlock the full potential of "Geek Girls" and create a more diverse and inclusive gaming industry.