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Parvathi JR

Women in STEM research - opportunities still in glass case!

Updated: May 10, 2021


Is Women in STEM Research - a class or glass case? Let's break into an article published in current science (2020) rooted to this cause titled 'Women in science and technology: an Indian Scenario.'

Did you know that only 57 Women have won the Nobel Prize since its inception in 1901? The number is marginal in comparison to 877 men who have got it.

Research is an idea-driven, problem–solving environment which requires ground-breaking ideas and skillsets. Gender never propel research; sadly, that is not the case- nationally or globally.


In their publication titled 'Women in science and technology: an Indian Scenario,' Akanksha Swarup and Tuli Dey provide evidence of gender disparity in research-oriented and academic-driven institutes/organizations in India.


The duo carried out an exhaustive search for the number of women appointed between 1988–2018 under 'Faculty' or 'Researchers'across leading national and recognized private universities/institutes/colleges known for their science, technology, engineering, and mathematical strengths. The average women faculty in IITs, NITs, and IISERs, and similar research institutes ranged between 11 to 23%, marginally struggling to represent 1/4th of the total strength. In the top 20 universities, the count was slightly higher, showing women representation of 27%.


With a strong mandate on teaching, the institute preferring basic research over applied invariably showed more women research faculty. The "bawns over brains" patriarchal culture and the "default" social responsibilities and expectations from women deter women scientists from following their passion and ambition.


A change in the social attitude and behavior to motivate and include women in decision-making, recognition, and accepting their contribution will create a ripple effect in motivating others. The authors suggest that "scholarships, a comfortable workplace, flexible working hours, crèches, and daycare facilities can be included in the current infrastructure to support the existing women workforce."


 

Extra–dose Masculine culture or masculine society The term is elaborated in-depth by Dr. Geert Hofstede (doctorate Social Psychology) in his book Culture's Consequences. In masculine culture, the men are bread-winners, materialistic-driven with higher social standing. Women are epitome for tender, modest, care, and family only.

Glass ceiling The term is coined by Marilyn Loden, a visionary and bold marketing consultant, from her own experience. It represented an "invisible barrier" that prevents the progress and success of women. Matilda effect The term comes from Margaret W Rossiter's research article "The Mathew Matilda Effect in Science," published in 1993.

Sociologist Robert K. Merton referred to the rich getting richer and poorer getting poorer as the "Mathew effect." He referred to the same concept on researchers in his article published in Science 1968. It meant how eminent and famous scientists overshadow unknown scientists even though both have the same research acumen and achievements. "Matilda effect" is the female narrative for the "Mathew effect." It represents how women's inventions and research accomplishments are less acknowledged than men's research accomplishments. The husband or the male coinventor is appreciated or acknowledged or heard than the female coinventor. Marget assigned "Matilda" after Matilda J. Gage, an advent advocator for women's rights who wrote 'Woman as Inventor,' in 1883, critically explaining how men take credit for women's inventions.


 

Question dose

  • Do you observe/experience gender-disparity in research?

  • What do you think there is a portrayal/fact that women are better educators than researchers?


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