Athena Unbound

Abstract

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.

The Status of Women in Pharmacy Education: Persisting Gaps and Issues

“…The percentage of PhD degrees earned by women during this period increased from 16% to 40% in biology, 7% to 27% in chemistry, and 0% to 11% in engineering. 3 Similar trends are seen in pharmacy where the percentage of PhD degrees awarded to women increased from 2% in the 1960s to 38% in the 1990s (Figure 1). By the year 2001, women earned 44% of all PhD degrees awarded by colleges and schools of pharmacy.…”

“…[1][2][3][5][6][7][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] To better understand these disparities, scholars have examined 4 potential barriers to advancement by women academics: (1) family roles and mobility, (2) work values and activities, (3) gender schemas and biases, and (4) lack of support and marginalization of women at the department level.…”

“…Social scientists and historians generally agree that this rapid and visible entry of women into the sciences was due to a convergence of several social, political, and economic events. [1][2][3][4] They include:…”

“…Researchers also have surveyed women academics to identify problems they experience. 3,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] …”

“…Social scientists and historians generally agree that this rapid and visible entry of women into the sciences was due to a convergence of several social, political, and economic events. [1][2][3][4] They include:• growth of the women's movement which raised women's consciousness, challenged cultural myths about their abilities, and encouraged them to pursue new roles and to enter the scientific professions;• enactment of federal legislation and executive orders prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and employment;• mobilization of women's groups, which pressured educational institutions, regulatory agencies, and the courts to end discriminatory admissions and hiring practices;• growth of new jobs in pharmacy and other fields with better salaries, status, and hours than traditionally female occupations and professions;• increased availability of federal funding, such as federal capitation, which encouraged pharmacy colleges to recruit and admit more students; and• increased availability of faculty positions due to the establishment of new postsecondary institutions and programs. Given the increased numbers of women in higher education and the sciences, tracking their progress and identifying disparities or issues that need to be addressed is important.…”