Athena Unbound: The Advancement of Women in Science and Technology

by Henry Etzkowitz, Carol Kemelgor, Brian Uzzi

Why are there still so few female scientists? Despite the scientific ethos of universalism and inclusion, women continue to experience real social inequities as they struggle to gain recognition in the scientific community. Based on extensive interviews and backed by quantitative analysis, this compelling work exposes the hidden barriers, subtle exclusions, and unwritten rules that confront women at every juncture along the scientific career path--from childhood to retirement. Through vivid personal accounts the authors offer an illuminating and sobering view of the effects these obstacles have on the personal and professional lives of women. They argue that women can succeed in the scientific workplace by successfully managing "social capital," those networks and relationships scientists rely on for professional support and new ideas. This benchmark volume is vital reading for all scientists and social scientists--both male and female--and for women considering a scientific career.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 1996

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much of this rang true as a female PhD student in a physics department at a top-tier university. Even with all of the changes the university has attempted to make and the support systems they've added, the book was surprisingly not that dated in its perspective -- it's a little horrifying, really, how applicable it still felt.
That being said, the book was somewhat repetitive and also SUCH A DRY READ. I had to struggle to get through it, even though it's an interesting and incredibly relevant topic to me. Would not recommend to anyone not looking for a very dull, academic read on the subject.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the many interesting ways that women in science can hamstring themselves-

'What is paradoxical is that while women pursue the myth that scientific individualism and isolation spurs scientific breakthrough, it is in fact a fiction that undermines their advancements, even as men (and some successful women) operate within networks of collaborative learning that advance ideas most competitively.'

I knew I was supposed to be reading this for research purposes, but the feminist in me could hardly bear it. I was trying so hard to stay attuned to the important things like "social capital" and "instrumental departments," but my mind kept wandering to certain passages, and I kept getting angry: amazing for dry, research-driven text. Maybe I'm just an angry person.

This book was a great introduction into the challenges of women in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. I enjoyed it.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so much a review, but a comment: I was expecting this book to be a little dated, given that it was written in 2000. 14 years later, much of the experience these authors describe still rings true.

Worth reading, especially if you're new to thinking about women's issues in science.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and on-target.