Vocaciones científicas en jóvenes mayas de Yucatán, México: el desafío de la marginalidad y la ausencia de referentes

In both central and peripheral economies, declining youth interest in pursuing scientific careers is raising concerns about generational renewal in science. Consequently, this study examines the scientific vocation of young Maya students attending three community high schools with video-based learning (referred to as telebachilleratos comunitarios in Spanish) in Yucatan, Mexico: Xocén, Kanxoc, and Hunukú. Using a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design with convenience sampling, a questionnaire was administered to 198 students and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 students and three teachers from the Mathematics and Experimental Sciences module. The results reveal that while young students perceive science as interesting and useful in daily life, few aspire to scientific careers. Moreover, despite most parents working in agriculture, students showed little interest in agronomy. Notably, gender differences emerged, with women expressing greater enthusiasm for science than their male peers. The study concluded that the lack of scientific role models within their communities and limited exposure to scientific professions contribute to the overall low interest in science among Maya youth. Furthermore, to advance social justice, it is necessary to promote epistemic plurality and engage indigenous youth in scientific endeavors.