The Scully Effect: How A Fictional FBI Character Inspired Women in STEM

Dana Scully. She's cool, she's brilliant. But what is she was also the reason for an increase in the number of women in STEM? This phenomenon, "The Scully Effect," shows how powerful representation can be.

If you didn't know, Dana Scully is a stead-fast FBI agent from the X Files who solves mysteries. Right now, we have a mystery on OUR hands - how did a fictional character have a real impact on STEM?

A study examining The X-Files found that of all watchers of the show, women were 50% more likely to have worked in a STEM field. By normalizing the idea of women excelling in these traditionally male-dominated areas, fiction became reality.

In fact, 63% of female fans of the show reported that Scully increased their confidence in excelling in male-dominated professions.

Scully was both logically and emotionally intelligent. Seeing a depthful character on screen has helped dismantle the stereotype that only men can excel in science fields.

Thank you, Dana Scully!

Resources:

‘The Scully Effect’ Is Real — and There’s Data to Prove It

The Scully Effect: I Want to Believe in STEM page - Geena Davis Institute

Women Who Watched "The X-Files" Pursued More Careers In STEM - Fast Company