Does Gender Bias Still Affect Women in Science?
Publication type
journal article
Publication date
2019
Author(s)
Roper, Rachel L.
Source
Language
English
View point(s)
Reviews
Institutional
Grants & Awards
PhD Level
Student Level
Discipline(s)
Abstract
The percentage of women employed in professional scientific positions has been low but is increasing over time. The U.S. National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation have both implemented programs to improve women's participation in science, and many universities and companies have diversity and equity programs. While most faculty and scientists believe that they are fair and unbiased, numerous well-designed studies published in leading peer-reviewed journals show that gender bias in sciences and medicine is widespread and persistent today in both faculty and students. Recent studies show that gender bias affects student grading, professional hiring, mentoring, tenure, promotion, respect, grant proposal success, and pay. In addition, sexual harassment remains a significant barrier. Fortunately, several studies provide evidence that programs that raise conscious awareness of gender bias can improve equity in science, and there are a number of recommendations and strategies for improving the participation of women.
Journal
Microbiology and molecular biology reviews: MMBR
ISSN
1098-5557
Volume
83
Issue
3
Pagination
e00018-19