Women in science: Quantum Diarists speak up
What do Quantum Diarists think about Harvard President Lawrence Summers' recent
comments that innate differences between men and women might explain
why women are underrepresented in science careers? Caolionn O'Connell
writes that the hypothesis is worth testing, but the president of Harvard
is the wrong person to propose it. "I don't believe Summers is sexist,
although I am inclined to think he is tactless," she writes.
Gordon Watts argues that the question of innate intelligence is irrelevant to the problem of underrepresentation of women in science. "Anyone who has the drive to be a scientist can be a scientist," he writes. So, he wonders, what's driving women away? "If we knew the answer we'd get out there and fix the problem!" he writes.
Debbie Harris points out that the uproar over Summers' comments on innate
differences between the sexes has overshadowed his statement that few
mothers are willing to make the sacrifices required for the top positions
in science. "The simple truth is that women (and men!) with young children
can be nuts about their kids and want to raise them the best they know
how, while still being driven to answer the questions their research is
asking," Debbie writes.
"It's interesting to notice than when I went to Chicago for the first time
after my son was born," adds Sophie Trincaz-Duvoid, "everybody (including me!) considered my husband as
a hero and wanted to help him (neighbors, family, friends)…But for my
friends (men) who work with me, everybody thinks that it is normal that
their wife stays alone with the 3-month-old child for 2 or 3 weeks."
Finally, Ursula Bassler offers a
note of hope and encouragement to women in the workplace. "Patience," she
writes. "Don't forget that women came a long way: only 60 years ago women
were first allowed to vote in France! And don't go back to the kitchen
just because it is difficult and we struggle."
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