Struggles with Self-Efficacy Among Women in the Face of Social Expectations, Internalized Biases, and Invisible Labor
This article explores the difficulties women experience in developing a sense of self-efficacy in academic and professional domains. It investigates the role of self-doubt, gender stereotypes, and impostor phenomenon, drawing on Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) to reveal why women hesitate to acknowledge their own contributions. Using findings from Rossi et al. (2022), the article highlights the influence of gendered expectations on math-related self-beliefs. It also addresses how women’s labor in service and retail industries is frequently rendered invisible. Combining personal observations and empirical research, this article proposes actionable strategies for women to rebuild and sustain their self-efficacy in everyday life.
Introduction
One of my earliest experiences of self-doubt began in middle school. Our math teacher rewarded students who solved problems correctly with a gold star. I solved a difficult question, earned my star, and quietly returned to my seat. Moments later, my classmate Ufuk, a boy, also solved the problem. The teacher praised him publicly and asked the class to applaud. What I told myself was this: “Apparently, my success isn’t good enough. I need to be more consistent to really deserve recognition.” That thought lingered in my mind for years and made me belittle my successes and exaggerate my failures. When I encountered Self-Determination Theory, I realized this wasn’t merely a personal struggle. It had social roots.
The Theory – Self-Motivation and Basic Psychological Needs
According to psychologists Deci and Ryan (2000), true motivation arises when three fundamental psychological needs are met:
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Autonomy: Feeling in control of one’s decisions
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Competence: Feeling capable and effective
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Relatedness: Feeling connected to others
Among women, the need for competence is especially vulnerable. Social messages often imply that women are “not good enough,” particularly in male-dominated fields. Eccles (2009) emphasizes that women’s tendency to underestimate their abilities is not just individual but socially learned behavior.
Why Do Women Downplay Their Successes?
Women’s difficulty in internalizing success is not solely due to low self-esteem but also stems from gender stereotypes and structural inequality. Rossi et al. (2022) found that differences in math performance are not biological but culturally constructed. These stereotypes increase anxiety in women, weakening their sense of competence, while sometimes boosting performance in men.
Even when successful, women may feel they were simply “lucky” or “in the right place at the right time.” This is known as the impostor phenomenon, first identified by Clance and Imes (1978), where individuals fear being “exposed” as frauds despite tangible achievements. It is particularly common among high-achieving women, who tend to attribute success to external factors like luck or help. Harvey and Katz (1985) argued that this syndrome worsens in environments where social approval is paramount, undermining internal motivation.
Invisible Labor in Daily Life
Women’s work isn’t only undervalued in academia—it is also often invisible in retail, caregiving, and service industries. These roles are perceived as “natural” for women. For example, when a woman diffuses a customer complaint calmly and effectively, it is seen as expected behavior. In contrast, a man doing the same is praised as a “problem-solver” or “natural leader.” This double standard hinders women’s ability to feel competent and proud of their contributions.
What Can Be Done? – Realistic Steps Toward Rebuilding Self-Efficacy
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Record Your Successes: No matter how small. Write them down.
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Reframe Your Inner Dialogue: Instead of “Am I enough?” ask “What was my role in this achievement?”
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Avoid Comparisons: Everyone’s journey is unique—so is yours.
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Ask for Help Without Shame: Seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.
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Celebrate Progress: Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. You’ve done enough.
Conclusion
The question “Am I enough?” often echoes silently within many women. But this isn’t just a matter of individual confidence—it is shaped by societal narratives. Whether in math or any other field, success is not tied to gender but to effort and persistence. Women deserve to own their achievements. Perhaps today, a small yet powerful affirmation is enough:
“Yes, I did this. Because I am enough.”
References
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
Eccles, J. S. (2009). Who am I and what am I going to do with my life? Personal and collective identities as motivators of action. Educational Psychologist, 44(2), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520902832368
Harvey, J. C., & Katz, C. (1985). If I’m so successful, why do I feel like a fake?: The impostor phenomenon. St. Martin’s Press.
Rossi, M. C., He, Z., & Lin, J. (2022). Gender stereotypes and self-perceived math ability: A longitudinal study. Journal of Educational Psychology, 114(3), 423–437. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000601