E-Book Overview
This compelling work exposes the hidden barriers that confront women at every juncture along the scientific career path. Its vivid personal accounts offer a sobering view of the effects these obstacles have on the personal and professional lives of women. The authors argue that women can succeed in the scientific workplace by successfully managing "social capital," those networks and relationships scientists rely on for professional support and new ideas. This is vital reading for all scientists and social scientists, and for women considering a scientific career.
E-Book Content
ATHENA UNBOUND: THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Henry Etzkowitz Carol Kemelgor Brian Uzzi CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS Athena Unbound The Advancement of Women in Science and Technology 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. henry etzkowitz is Director of the Science Policy Institute and Associate Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York at Purchase.<