Friday, June 12, 2015

Sexism in the Lab

The Nobel laureate Tim Hunt was widely ridiculed, and had to resign an honorary professorship, after calling female scientists overly emotional and a romantic distraction.


Is such quick denunciation a sign of progress in a field traditionally known for its sexism? Or does the laureate’s casual misogyny show that gender discrimination persists?


Responses:


Sexist Image Is Wrong
Wendy M. Williams and Stephen J. Ceci, co-authors, "Why Aren't More Women in Science?"


Bias Is Systemic
Katherine W. Phillips, Columbia University


Not a Sign of Real Progress
Kyla McMullen, computer science professor


Things Have Gotten, and Are Getting, a Lot Better
Maria Klawe, Harvey Mudd College


Women Feel the Bias in Their Labs
Laura Sherbin, Center for Talent Innovation


A Few Bad Guys Can Cause a Lot of Harm
Mary Beth Ruskai, Retired mathematician


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