Help with Homework or Do Housework?

Maybe Mr. Clean can help junior with his Algebra I homework. According to results of a recent study by Emerson, nearly 9 out of 10 adults (85%) would choose an unpleasant household task like doing laundry over solving a math problem. For the third year in a row, Emerson conducted a survey on American attitudes toward Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Survey results show that, even as STEM education continues to make headlines, many Americans still don’t feel confident—or, in many cases, interested—in flexing their STEM muscles.


Just 5 out of 10 parents feel very capable helping their child with math homework. That number drops to 4 out of 10 when science homework is in the backpack.


“Engineers and scientists are a leading force behind the innovations powering our daily lives, but we’re still seeing an interest and awareness gap from people who don’t fully realize the potential of a STEM career path,” said Katherine Button Bell, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Emerson. “We’ve made progress in sharing the message of STEM, but we still have an opportunity to educate people on the impact that STEM education could have across the globe.”


The latest survey comes as Emerson launches its “We See” campaign to highlight the societal achievements of its engineers and scientists in areas like environmental conservation, food safety and manufacturing efficiency. In addition, Emerson is partnering with YouTube’s self-proclaimed science nerd Hank Green to help build STEM momentum.


In addition to a need to boost awareness of STEM education’s impact, the survey shows a significant generational gap in knowledge of what it means to work in STEM. Twice as many Millennials as Baby Boomers (51% compared to just 26%)  say they have a good understanding of the types of jobs available in STEM. While Emerson and other companies are putting particular emphasis on women in STEM, the survey highlights a continued and increased need to focus: Men surveyed were twice as likely to currently work in a STEM field as women.


Even as people see opportunities to learn more about STEM careers, many recognize the benefits that such a career could bring. One out of three surveyed cited “chance to make a difference in the world” and “thinking creatively” as top reasons they would consider a career in STEM.