Discussion Overview
The discussion explores the familial backgrounds of engineering and science students, specifically examining the prevalence of relatives in similar fields. Participants share personal anecdotes about their family members' professions, highlighting the diversity of backgrounds and the influence of family on their educational and career choices.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Personal anecdotes
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants note that they are the only engineers or scientists in their families, while others come from families with multiple members in STEM fields.
- Several contributors mention the influence of family on their career paths, with some indicating that they pursued engineering or science due to familial encouragement or expectations.
- There are varied backgrounds among participants, including relatives in unrelated fields such as medicine, education, and trades.
- Some participants express pride in being the first in their families to pursue STEM careers, while others reflect on the historical context of their family's professions.
- Several anecdotes highlight the intersection of different professions within families, such as engineers marrying scientists or other professionals.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the prevalence of engineers or scientists in families, as experiences vary widely. Some indicate that it is common, while others suggest that it is less so, leading to multiple competing views on the topic.
Contextual Notes
Some participants provide detailed genealogical backgrounds, which may include missing assumptions about the influence of socioeconomic factors on career choices. The discussion reflects a range of educational paths and professional experiences, with no resolution on the impact of family background on pursuing STEM fields.