How does the "Scully Effect" raise young women's interest in science fields?

Jul 22, 2025 5 min

About this episode

The musical film The Little Mermaid was released in cinemas on 24 May 2023. This movie highlights the importance of representations in the media. This effect has a name: the Scully Effect. The combination made for an unprecedented representation of women on TV at the time, with audiences far more accustomed to seeing scientists played by white men. The fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are grouped together under the name of STEM professions. And Dana Scully was one of the first female characters in such a field to feature on prime-time TV, which would inspire a generation of young women to start careers in STEM professions. The phenomenon has become referred to as the Scully Effect. Is there any data to back it up? Why did Scully become such an inspirational figure? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠What is the best time of day to take a shower?⁠ ⁠How can I recognise ultra-processed foods?⁠ ⁠How does the 3-30-300 rule affect my mental health?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 7/10/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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