Series
Women in academia
Gender bias in academia more about attitude than aptitude
Women are making their presence felt in a traditionally male-dominated academic world. However, they are still underrepresented in fields such as political science, physics, and philosophy. A study suggests that this skew in gender ratio is a result of the emphasis of some fields on “genius” as against hard work, and the stereotype that women are less likely to be as intelligent as men to pursue an academic career.
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Mar 9, 2015
Women at work within and outside academia: A Japanese sociological perspective
Professor Minako Konno is a professor at the Department of Sociology (Division of Global Sciences), Tokyo Woman's Christian University, Japan. She began her career in a corporate financial institution and soon realized that her true interest lay in the field of sociology. In 1996, she published a study on the representation of women in different professional fields in Japan, which continues to be cited today. Using her corporate work experience in Japan as well as her experience as a student in Japan and the US, Professor Konno explores the dynamics behind the professional lives of women as well as the sociological aspects governing career choices and gender representation.
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Mar 10, 2015
Do mothers have a place in academia?
While there is a fair share of women at the entry level in academia, they are highly underrepresented in senior faculty positions. Most women scientists perceive a tenure track position as not being compatible with having children. What makes it difficult for mothers to continue a career in academia? Read on to find out.
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Mar 11, 2015
Gender bias in research: A myth or reality?
To what extent does the gender of a researcher affect his or her work and growth prospects? Apparently, gender stereotypes and generalized perceptions about men and women influence the opportunities available to them and how their contribution to scientific development may be perceived. Several studies have actually investigated the existence and impact of gender bias in various fields of research. This post reviews three such studies to offer a glimpse into how gender stereotypes are at play in research.
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Mar 12, 2015
