Hidden Figures and the Fight for Equity in STEAM
By Kaia Paul
Hidden Figures, directed by Theodore Melfi and released in 2017, follows the extraordinary true stories of NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. The film’s expressive writing and performances craft an inspiring tale of how these women broke discriminatory barriers in one of the world’s most prestigious aeronautical institutions. By blending historical narratives with compelling storytelling, Hidden Figures demonstrates the importance of STEAM representation in marginalized demographics through the three women who made history at NASA.
Set in 1960s Virginia during the tense US-Russia Space Race, Hidden Figures vividly captures the barriers African American women faced during this period of racial segregation. Taraji P. Henson’s raw and emotional performance is the cornerstone of the narrative, communicating both injustice and empowerment with striking authenticity. These phenomenal scenes reveal the harsh realities of minorities in STEAM while also celebrating the exciting successes in their fields and home lives.
The actors’ impassioned acting, paired with a unique storytelling style, make Hidden Figures an especially thought-provoking and captivating watch. Rather than focusing solely on one main character, the film alternates perspectives between the three women, providing a window into each of their lives. This unique approach allows viewers to understand the intersectional challenges each woman faces in the home, workplace and society as they overcome them in order to pursue their passions.
All three storylines tie together through the movie’s central theme: race and gender inequality. This theme forms the core of Hidden Figures, shaping both the film’s voice and message. By exploring the complexity of discrimination - from subtle insults to explicit acts of racism - Hidden Figures shines a light on the barriers that stunted scientific progress in America. Despite being a vast field for innovative minds and diverse ideas, the system was limited by stereotypes against women and people of color. This prejudice depicted on screen makes Hidden Figures such a compelling and powerful piece of film. Audiences not only feel the frustration of being unheard, but also witness the detrimental costs that exclusion imposed on progress during the Space Race.
While being set in the 1960s, Hidden Figures’ message resonates with the modern-day STEAM landscape. A 2021 study from the National Science Foundation revealed that men occupy double the number of STEM-related jobs as women (Image 1). The same institution also found disparities in race distribution, reporting that American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, Latino, Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander, and Black individuals were significantly underrepresented among STEM workers with bachelor's degrees (Image 2).
These demographic discrepancies result from various factors, including the impacts of historical segregation, social bias from employers and peers alike, and inaccessibility to STEM education across different communities. Furthermore, the lack of representation of diverse role models discourages minorities from pursuing science. Hidden Figures effectively defies these barriers by demonstrating the power of institutional reform and cultural transformation. It shows how women, despite being disadvantaged by social discrimination, were able to follow their passions in a system stacked against them.
This message from the film is evident in the present-day workforce. Though women and minorities are still underrepresented, the National Science Foundation found that employment of females in STEM increased 31% from 2011 to 2021. These changes prove that STEAM equity is not only a historical issue but an ongoing mission. As more women are gaining the opportunities to contribute to science, the message of Hidden Figures resonates more deeply than ever. Present-day movements such as Girls Who Code, the National Girls Collaborative Project, and the Society of Women Engineers echo the film’s theme of defiance against gender bias. Still, even with increases in female employment and programs for STEAM equality, only 35% of STEM graduates in 2024 were women. That same year, a study from Adzuna also found that the gender pay gap was 13.1% in favor of men in regard to science-related fields. Despite our progress, change must continue to be made in order to achieve true equality through government reform, independent programs, and individual efforts to fight against injustice.
Hidden Figures captures the thrill of scientific discovery and the overlooked contributions of the women who made it possible with expressive actors, compelling storytelling, and historical allusions. Its theme of injustice and empowerment in the scientific sphere is incredibly well voiced throughout the film’s production. Every scene contributes towards each character’s development, crafting an eye-opening experience for audiences as they witness the effects of racial and gender inequality. These disparities are still evident in modern STEM fields. Hidden Figures ensures that the legacies of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson continue to inspire future generations, encouraging marginalized groups to pursue their passions.
