I always wonder why we just assume STEM are an attractive field to be in. Because if it is not attractive, then why would we want to force more women into it?

I always wonder why we just assume STEM are an attractive field to be in. Because if it is not attractive, then why would we want to force more women into it? Maybe we should not be asking why there are so few women doing it but why there are so many men doing it. Almost nobody who studied physics ends up doing physics. Both men and women will do unfulfilling jobs if they need the money, but when it comes to investing into a career, women will more often choose one that leads to interesting and fulfilling jobs, while men tend to select for "return on investment". Men are much more likely than women to invest into an career that only has unfulfilling but well-paying job prospects. I view this is a defect in men, not a sign of oppression. Men are the victim of reactionary gender stereotypes and think they have to study something that will lead to them being able to provide for a family. Look at, for example, container ship crew or workers on an oil platform. Clearly both genders can do those jobs, but almost only men will actually do it. Oil workers are getting paid exceptionally well. Not sure about container ship crews, maybe that was not a great example.