Create a mental image of a typical scientist. Whether you picture a chemist, psychologist, or field biologist, the scientist in your head will most likely be male. The results of this mental exercise, is often conducted in psychology class, one of which sparked my interest in this topic. Ironically, I pictured a male scientist even though I consider myself a woman of science. So why is this initial assumption so strong? From our first exposure to science in our culture, we learn of the history of science. This history is dominated by the achievements of men because until recently, women were not prevalent in the field of science
When a female scientist is involved in a scientific breakthrough, they are not often credited and remembered for their contributions. The majority of the credit usually goes to the male voice on the project. For example, one of the most notable discoveries in biology is the double-helical structure of DNA. This is credited to the male scientists Watson and Crick. The discovery of DNA’s structure would not have been possible without the contribution of female scientist, Rosalind Elsie Franklin. As previously emphasized, the credit went to the male figures involved.There is a strong stereotype toward males having a stronger representation in the fields of math and science, while women are seen to thrive in the humanities. Many believe that the women in science stay out of the “dirty work,” and are involved in the social sciences. I encourage women to branch out of this stereotype and celebrate the success of female scientists by forming support groups and communities. A visual presence will begin to challenge this stereotype. In more recent history, as we dive into the twenty-first century, the number of females in each scientific field has increased. Wheaton College has nurtured a large number of these female scientists that have paved their own way in their respective scientific fields. I am passionate about science; however, I realize that a gender and power imbalance exists. There is a lack of public recognition for significant achievements of women in science, and every woman should take part in changing this.
I think the reason that women are so left out of the idea of a scientist is that for the longest time men were the only ones who could have any hopes of being a scientist. In the western world men were considered smarter and more capable of understanding the very tough material that comes with science. And this idea didn’t change until recently. But as Americans we are trying to make a difference and make it so that women are shown to be just as smart as men.
ReplyDeleteOf course when I think of a scientist I have to admit that I imagine a nerdy slumped-over man with suspenders and a pocket protector. Of course I know that this is not the case in actuality, but thanks to modern media that is what is portrayed and that is what I first think.
Even with these problems of the past and present, women are making great strides in the fields of science and I believe that one day the ideas that we have will be different. Who knows one day I may see an article in a newspaper that says “Wheaton Women Changes The Basic Ideology of Science” and I will say to myself “Of course she did”.