Women hold a very low portion of professorships in science fields such
as chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science.
Why are women who are talented and dedicated enough to graduate from
college not progressing through graduate school and ultimately earning
full professorships? Where are these women going, and why do they leave
their chosen field?
Much has been written about the underrepresentation of women professors
in science, particularly in upper-level positions. Despite the
substantial amount of high-quality data on this issue, myths and
misunderstandings still prevail. A frequent claim is that women are
primarily derailed by gender discrimination in publishing their work,
obtaining grant funding, and being hired. While these forms of
discrimination played important roles in the past, current data show
that none of these factors alone can explain today’s
underrepresentation.
In this talk, I will review the most recent evidence showing that gender
itself is no longer the sole factor responsible for the current dearth
of women in science. I will argue for the importance of another
significant factor: the choice to become a mother. To place the role of
this choice in context, I will examine its impact on women’s careers
relative to other variables that may limit women’s participation in
the sciences. Recent findings indicate that the effect of children on
women’s academic careers is so substantial that it eclipses other
factors in contributing to women’s underrepresentation in academic
science.
One key goal of this talk is to raise awareness, particularly among male
scientists and childless peers, about the unique challenges that women,
especially mothers, face in academia. By engaging this group, I hope to
foster broader understanding and encourage collective action in
addressing the barriers that disproportionately affect women.
Understanding the actual causes of women’s underrepresentation in
academia is the first essential step toward creating meaningful
solutions that target the root of the issue.