Athena Unbound: The Advancement of Women in Science and Technology

by Henry Etzkowitz , Carol Kemelgor , Brian Uzzi

• ISBN13: 9780521563802
• ISBN10: 0521563801
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-11-06
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Why are there so few women scientists? Persisting differences between women’s and men's experiences in science make this question as relevant today as it ever was. This book sets out to answer this question, and to propose solutions for the future. Based on extensive research, it emphasizes that science is an intensely social activity. Despite the scientific ethos of universalism and inclusion, scientists and their institutions are not immune to the prejudices of society as a whole. By presenting women’s experiences at all key career stages - from childhood to retirement - the authors reveal the hidden barriers, subtle exclusions and unwritten rules of the scientific workplace, and the effects, both professional and personal, that these have on the female scientist. This important book should be read by all scientists - both male and female - and sociologists, as well as women thinking of embarking on a scientific career.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction: Women in science: Why so few?	1	(4)
The science career pipeline	5	(10)
Women and science: Athena Bound	15	(16)
Gender, sex and science	31	(18)
Selective access	49	(20)
Critical transitions in the graduate and post-graduate career path	69	(14)
Women's (and men's) graduate experience in science	83	(22)
The paradox of critical mass for women in science	105	(10)
The 'kula ring' of scientific success	115	(16)
Women's faculty experience	131	(6)
Dual male and female worlds of science	137	(10)
Differences between women in science	147	(10)
Social capital and faculty network relationships	157	(22)
Negative and positive departmental cultures	179	(8)
Initiatives for departmental change	187	(16)
International comparisons	203	(22)
Athena Unbound: Policy for women in science	225	(26)
Appendix	251	(6)
Bibliography	257	(12)
Index	269