The Gender Gap in Brazilian Entomology: an Analysis of the Academic Scenario

Abstract

Although women are about half of world’s population, they are underrepresented in many sectors including academia and the research scenario in general. Gender gap in Entomology has been pointed out in other publications; however, data for Brazil has never been demonstrated. Here we provide a diagnosis for the Brazilian Entomology scenario in order to contribute to propositions towards disentangling the gender gap in general. We analyzed scientometric data for Brazilian Entomology focusing on gender disparity and on personal perceptions related to the gender gap through an online questionnaire. We detected a pervasive gender bias in which the scissor-shaped curve is the most representative effect of it: women were the majority in lower degree stages but the minority in higher degree stages (permanent positions and positions of prestige and power). We also observed mentorship bias and discussed these results in light of intersectionality and the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender differences were perceived differently by the questionnaire respondents considering age, gender, and parenting. With this data and analyses, we have provided elements to stimulate and support change to a healthier and more equitable academic space.

Brazilian female researchers do not publish less despite an academic structure that deepens sex gap

“…To characterize the academic Brazilian scenario, we searched the Lattes curriculum database of the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, from the name in Portuguese), through the iAraucaria platform ( https://www.iaraucaria.pr.gov.br/intelectus/ , accessed in May 2021) using the same keywords selected in a previous publication [ 5 ] that best represented Entomology for Brazilian studies. However, here we included Portuguese and English words, instead of only Portuguese as in our previous inquiry [ 5 ]:…”

“…under graduation) but the minority on advanced career stages (e.g. professorship) [ 5 ]. Many recent publications are dealing with this theme, including women as well as other minorities (e.g.…”

“…Many recent publications are dealing with this theme, including women as well as other minorities (e.g. mothers, transgender, black) [ 5 – 9 ]. Like the general trend above for all sciences, despite women being the majority in lower degree stages in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), they are the minority in higher degree stages (permanent positions and positions of prestige and power) [ 5 ].…”

“…Aside from the only two scientometric studies on Entomology, done in the USA [ 4 , 19 ], the study of insects has been investigated in a single other country, Brazil, propelled by the two largest entomological societies in the world (the Entomological Society of America, ESA and Entomological Society of Brazil, SEB in its acronym in Portuguese). We have recently gathered information on how the Entomology scenario is structured in Brazil [ 5 ]. We did not include, however, the bigger picture of the gender gap in Entomology found in academic journals, patterns of co-authorship, publications impact, editorial boards, and the national Academy of Sciences, which are all aspects that, along with academic education and mentorship [ 5 ], internationally apply to what we call here as the academic structure.…”

“…We have recently gathered information on how the Entomology scenario is structured in Brazil [ 5 ]. We did not include, however, the bigger picture of the gender gap in Entomology found in academic journals, patterns of co-authorship, publications impact, editorial boards, and the national Academy of Sciences, which are all aspects that, along with academic education and mentorship [ 5 ], internationally apply to what we call here as the academic structure.…”