Previous research found a preference in academia for hiring stellar female candidates over stellar male candidates for STEM jobs. A new study investigated what happens if applicants aren’t as evenly matched.
How you assess the strength of gender bias research depends on your viewpoint.
Glasses image via www.shutterstock.com
Men are harsher critics of research that reports evidence of gender bias in STEM fields, while women find it more compelling. How can we deal with the reality when we’re biased about bias?
Today’s students with intentions to study at university do less maths and less science than previous generations.
AAP/Dan Peled
Being underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math means women can be made to feel they don’t belong, with long-term mental health consequences.
Africa needs women scientists and researchers like the Ivory Coast’s Dr Celine Nobah, pictured here at work. What can be done to develop female researchers?
Thierry Gouegnon/Reuters
Policies at universities and in research institutions can be changed in small and significant ways to boost the space for gender equity within the sciences.
University of Cape Town scientists work in the Drug Discovery and Development Centre. More needs to be done to keep Africa’s scientists on home ground.
Epa/Nic Bothma
If the continent is to grasp the science and technology revolution, then governments should take the lead in both policy formulation and implementation.
Despite macho career advice, it’s time for scientists – and everyone else – to understand that the point is to work smarter, not longer and to strive for a realistic and livable work/life balance.
The real answer to what the economy might look like in 30-50 years is that none of us really know.
Flickr/Bob McCaffrey
Kids who think being good at mathematics is just a matter of God-given talent are less likely to pursue math-related fields. But research says this kind of belief is misguided.
Ask a kid to draw a scientist, you’ll probably get a man in a lab coat.
Yewhoenter
Even citizens of gender-equal countries associate science with men. The stereotype persists, though weakened a bit in countries with more women doing science. How can we put it to bed once and for all?
Shorten is right to see the importance in science, technology and maths, but his policies don’t have proven efficacy.
AAP/Lucas Coch
A heavy focus of Bill Shorten’s budget reply speech was preparing for the future with science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. While this focus is a step in the right direction, the policies probably aren’t the right way to go about it.
It might become a great engineer, but will unlikely be a very good social worker.
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