Gender Stereotypes in STEM Careers

Steps:

• Identify the core issue: gender disparity in skilled professions like design engineering in low-income countries.
• Evaluate options based on common barriers: education access, interests, costs, and work preferences.
• Rule out assumptions of inherent traits or economics; focus on societal influences.
• Select the explanation rooted in cultural norms affecting career choices.

Why C is correct:

• Design engineering often involves hands-on prototyping, which societal norms define as "manual work" unsuitable for girls, per gender role theories in labor economics.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: No evidence links girls' interests solely to low-wage jobs; disparities stem from external barriers.
• B: While education access matters, it doesn't specifically explain engineering skill gaps beyond general schooling.
• D: Training costs are typically uniform by gender, not higher for girls.

Final answer: C