Gifted Women Scientists: Voices of Mothers and Daughters

Abstract

The paper explores intergenerational socialization into science through case studies of research biologists who are mothers of daughters. The ways in which the scientist mothers foster or fail to foster orientation to science fields are investigated as are the daughters' perspectives on science professions. Influential factors include home and school experience, career paths, expectations for the daughter, home science experiences, and perceptions of science lifestyles. The potential for both positive and negative reactions on the part of daughters is described. A major finding is the great pride the daughters take in their mothers.