Women's success in science: The role of self -efficacy and resiliency in building social capital

The experiences of seven women pursuing undergraduate degrees in atmospheric sciences are examined through lenses constructed from social science theories of self-efficacy, resiliency and social capital. Each of the women successfully earned a Bachelor's degree in atmospheric sciences in spite of being the minority in a male-dominated field. Examination of individual characteristics and experiences of each woman support the theory that successful women in atmospheric sciences enter into the degree program with a strong science self-efficacy and that self-efficacy is built upon as the women continue working toward their degree. All women in this study display characteristics of individuals who are resilient—who are able to continue on in the pursuit of personal goals in the face of adversity. During their tenure as an undergraduate, they use their self-efficacy and resilient nature to develop social capital through relationship building. This social capital provides them with an entrée into the atmospheric sciences community and facilitates their further development of meaningful, professional relationships. The findings of this research are used as a scaffold to develop recommended structures, both physical and social, that atmospheric science departments can develop in order to promote the success of women in their undergraduate programs.