We’ve all heard the term “mansplaining” before—a man explaining something to a woman in a condescending manner, often on a topic she’s well-versed in. It’s a frustrating phenomenon, but when it happens in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), it can feel even more insidious. STEM is a field where expertise, knowledge, and precision matter, yet women often find themselves having to fight an additional battle: being taken seriously.

The Problem with Mansplaining

Mansplaining is more than just an annoyance; it’s a symptom of a larger issue—gender bias. The assumption that women don’t know what they’re talking about, even when they’re experts in their field, undermines their authority. This behavior isn’t just limited to everyday interactions; it permeates meetings, conferences, labs, and even classrooms. It can create an environment where women’s contributions are devalued, leading to feelings of frustration, isolation, and even self-doubt.

The Impact in STEM

In STEM fields, where women are already underrepresented, the effects of mansplaining can be particularly damaging. Imagine spending years earning a degree in computer science or engineering, working on complex projects, and honing your skills, only to have your male colleagues routinely talk down to you or question your expertise.

This isn’t just a matter of hurt feelings. When women’s ideas are ignored or overshadowed by men who assume they know better, it affects innovation and progress. Research shows that diverse teams—especially those that include women—are more innovative and make better decisions. So when mansplaining silences or diminishes women’s voices, it doesn’t just harm individual careers; it holds back the entire field.

Why Does It Happen?

Mansplaining stems from a mix of unconscious bias and deeply ingrained stereotypes. Women, especially in STEM, are often perceived as less competent or knowledgeable simply because of their gender. Men may not even realize they’re doing it—they’ve been conditioned to assume they’re the experts in these fields.

It can also be a reflection of the culture within many STEM environments. Historically male-dominated, these fields often have built-in structures that support the idea that men are the natural authorities, even when there is no basis for it.

What Can We Do About It?

1. Call it Out: It can be uncomfortable to point out mansplaining in the moment, but it’s important. If you’re on the receiving end, calmly assert your expertise or redirect the conversation to highlight your knowledge. Allies can also play a key role by stepping in when they see it happening.
2. Foster Allyship: Men in STEM can make a huge difference by being aware of their own biases and stepping back when necessary. If a male colleague finds himself talking over or dismissing a woman, the best response is to stop and invite her to share her thoughts uninterrupted.
3. Promote an Inclusive Culture: Leadership plays a critical role in setting the tone. Organizations need to be proactive in fostering inclusive environments where all voices are heard and valued. That means more than just having diversity policies in place—it requires actively listening to women and making sure their contributions are recognized.
4. Encourage Women to Speak Up: While it’s not women’s responsibility to fix this problem, empowering women to assert their expertise and take up space in STEM is critical. Mentorship programs, workshops, and spaces specifically for women in STEM can help build the confidence needed to push back against mansplaining.

Moving Forward

Mansplaining in STEM isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a barrier to progress. If we’re serious about creating an inclusive, innovative future, we need to recognize and dismantle the biases that allow it to persist. Women in STEM deserve to have their expertise respected and their voices heard. It’s time to stop explaining, start listening, and give credit where it’s due.

Well, bless your heart. Y’all still mansplaining in 2024? I thought we were done with that nonsense, but here we are, still dealing with it like mosquitos at a summer cookout. I mean, sugar, I don’t need you to explain my own field of expertise to me, but thank you so much for trying!

Now don’t get me wrong—I’m all for sharing knowledge. But there’s a fine line between collaboration and, well, a man sitting me down to “teach” me what I already know like I just rolled out of bed and tripped into STEM yesterday.

A Little Story for Y’all

Let me paint you a picture: You’re in a meeting, presenting on something you’ve spent years working on, maybe data science, maybe quantum physics, maybe the internal workings of a car engine—pick your flavor. And here comes a fella, just as sweet as pie, jumping in mid-sentence to explain how it really works. Honey, the nerve! But of course, we smile, nod, and maybe offer him a seat at the table while internally thinking, “Really? Y’all still doing this?”

Why Mansplaining in STEM Hits Different

Now, this happens in all sorts of settings, but in STEM, it’s got a special sting. This is a field where facts matter, where years of study and experience come into play. So when someone who maybe just skimmed a Wikipedia page or “read an article once” tells you how things work, it’s not just rude—it’s undermining all that hard-earned expertise.

And for us ladies in STEM, it’s like there’s an invisible sign over our heads that reads, “Needs Explaining.” Sorry, darlin’, but no. We’ve got this.

Why Is This Still a Thing?

Let’s break it down, sugar. Mansplaining happens because of old-fashioned biases that die harder than kudzu. Some men have just been conditioned to think they’re the authorities, even in fields they don’t know much about. And bless their hearts, sometimes they don’t even realize they’re doing it. But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating.

It’s like they’re at a potluck and keep bringing the same dry casserole, thinking it’s a hit when no one’s touching it. Meanwhile, we’re all sitting here with our five-star dishes wondering how they haven’t caught on yet.

How to Handle It—Southern Style

Now, I’m not saying we need to raise a ruckus every time this happens, but there are ways to handle it with a little grace (and a little humor):

1. Politely but Firmly Redirect: “Well, bless your heart for sharing, but I’ve actually been working in this area for a while, so let me walk you through the details.” Sometimes a little Southern charm goes a long way!
2. Turn the Tables: Ask questions. “Oh really? Tell me more about your background in machine learning.” Nine times out of ten, that’s when the mansplaining starts to crumble like a dry biscuit.
3. Use Allies: If you’ve got allies in the room, let them do some of the heavy lifting. “John, you’re more familiar with this than I am. What do you think of Mary’s work?” Sometimes, getting someone else to back you up shuts things down quick.
4. A Little Humor Goes a Long Way: “Oh, is that how that works? I must’ve missed that in the years I’ve been studying it. Thanks for the tip!” Keep it light, but let them know you’re onto them.

A Little Reminder for the Fellas

Now, for all the men reading this, I know most of y’all mean well. We love a good back-and-forth exchange of ideas—just make sure it’s an exchange. Don’t assume we need schooling, especially when we’ve got more experience in the subject than you can shake a stick at.

And if you ever catch yourself mid-mansplain, just pause, take a breath, and ask yourself, “Do I really need to be explaining this?” Chances are, the answer is no.

Moving Forward

Y’all, it’s 2024, we’ve got bigger fish to fry and I think we can all agree it’s high time we stop this mansplaining business. STEM needs all kinds of voices, and if we spend more time listening to each other and less time talking over each other, just imagine the progress we could make.

So, next time you feel that mansplainin’ itch, just remember: We got this, darlin’. And if we need your input, we’ll ask for it. Until then, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

What do y’all think? Let’s move on from the mansplaining and get back to solving the world’s problems together. Deal?