She Needs to See it to be it: The Importance of Same-Gender Athletic Role Models

Maximizing Women's Motivation in Domains Dominated by Men: Personally Known Versus Famous Role Models

“…Participants then indicated their agreement, on a 7-point Likert scale that ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree), with 7 possible reasons why participants found the STEM individual they nominated motivating (Midgley et al, 2021). First, participants indicated the extent to which they perceived the person they nominated as demonstrating that similar success is attainable for themselves on three items: "[Nominated individual's name, as entered by the participant] shows me that I can achieve something similar in the future", "[Nominated individual's name] shows that I can achieve success in STEM careers", and "[Nominated individual's name ] shows that I can overcome barriers to success in STEM (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers."…”

“…For women in fields dominated by men, who see few examples of same-gender others in high-level positions, it may be especially important to have women role models who embody their goals and serve as inspirational representations of possible future success. These models provide valuable evidence that such achievements are attainable for women in domains traditionally dominated by men ( Midgley et al, 2021 ) and may provide a useful template guiding women's behavior as they seek similar success ( Lockwood, 2006 ). Further, women who have achieved a high level of success may illustrate that such achievements are not only possible, but also desirable; women may be more likely to admire same-gender exemplars of success, and consequently be more motivated to adopt behaviors aimed at pursuing similar accomplishments ( Morgenroth et al, 2015 ).…”

“…Indeed, a growing body of research suggests that women benefit from exposure to successful same-gender role models in fields traditionally dominated by men. For example, in one set of studies examining athletic role models, men were similarly motivated by women and men, but women were more motivated by women than men ( Midgley et al, 2021 ). Role models who are women boost other women's motivation and performance ( Herrmann et al, 2016 ; Marx et al, 2013 ; Midgley et al, 2021 ) and enhance their interest in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, in particular ( Olsson & Martiny, 2018 ; Pietri et al, 2020 ; Shin et al, 2016 ; Stout et al, 2011 ).…”

“…For example, in one set of studies examining athletic role models, men were similarly motivated by women and men, but women were more motivated by women than men ( Midgley et al, 2021 ). Role models who are women boost other women's motivation and performance ( Herrmann et al, 2016 ; Marx et al, 2013 ; Midgley et al, 2021 ) and enhance their interest in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, in particular ( Olsson & Martiny, 2018 ; Pietri et al, 2020 ; Shin et al, 2016 ; Stout et al, 2011 ). Matching role models on gender may be particularly effective because women are more likely to identify with successful women than men ( Lockwood, 2006 ; Midgley et al, 2021 ) and because successful women provide compelling evidence refuting traditional stereotypes that men are superior in STEM fields ( Midgley et al, 2021 ; Van Camp et al, 2019 ; Young et al, 2013 ).…”

“…Role models who are women boost other women's motivation and performance ( Herrmann et al, 2016 ; Marx et al, 2013 ; Midgley et al, 2021 ) and enhance their interest in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, in particular ( Olsson & Martiny, 2018 ; Pietri et al, 2020 ; Shin et al, 2016 ; Stout et al, 2011 ). Matching role models on gender may be particularly effective because women are more likely to identify with successful women than men ( Lockwood, 2006 ; Midgley et al, 2021 ) and because successful women provide compelling evidence refuting traditional stereotypes that men are superior in STEM fields ( Midgley et al, 2021 ; Van Camp et al, 2019 ; Young et al, 2013 ). Thus, same-gender role models may serve as embodiments of women's goals and provide valuable representations of what is possible, which in turn may encourage women to acquire similar skills, reinforce their goals, and motivate them ( Morgenroth et al, 2015 ).…”