Equity for Women in Science: Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Advancement

by Cassidy R. Sugimoto, Vincent Lariviere

The first large-scale empirical analysis of the gender gap in science, showing how the structure of scientific labor and rewards―publications, citations, funding―systematically obstructs women’s career advancement.

If current trends continue, women and men will be equally represented in the field of biology in 2069. In physics, math, and engineering, women should not expect to reach parity for more than a century. The gender gap in science and technology is narrowing, but at a decidedly unimpressive pace. And even if parity is achievable, what about equity?

Equity for Women in Science, the first large-scale empirical analysis of the global gender gap in science, provides strong evidence that the structures of scientific production and reward impede women’s career advancement. To make their case, Cassidy R. Sugimoto and Vincent Larivière have conducted scientometric analyses using millions of published papers across disciplines. The data show that women are systematically denied the chief currencies of scientific publications and citations. The rising tide of collaboration only exacerbates disparities, with women unlikely to land coveted leadership positions or gain access to global networks. The findings are when published, men are positioned as key contributors and women are relegated to low-visibility technical roles. The intersecting disparities in labor, reward, and resources contribute to cumulative disadvantages for the advancement of women in science.

Alongside their eye-opening analyses, Sugimoto and Larivière offer solutions. The data themselves point the way, showing where existing institutions fall short. A fair and equitable research ecosystem is possible, but the scientific community must first disrupt its own pervasive patterns of gatekeeping.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Feminism

272 pages, Hardcover

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

Cassidy R. Sugimoto is Associate Professor in the School of Informatics and Computing at Indiana University Bloomington and the coeditor of Beyond Bibliometrics (MIT Press).

Reviews

[Adina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book - part history of women in science, part sociology, part statistics. It builds on previous studies that show a lower representation of women in STEM fields using updated statistics, and explores the causes and how that impacts the course of science. For example, if research authorship would have matched the US demographics over the last forty years, there would have been 29% more articles in public health, 25% more in women’s health, or 18% more on mental health.

That is because research culture and practices are still driven by dominantly male behavior. “Given that men still occupy, more often than not, the dominant positions and participate actively in the formulation of research policies,[…], domains that are considered “significant” will remain for a long time those of “hard” and “masculine” science.“ Bourdieu (2004). Lots to take away!

[Marissa Dobulis]

This is a challenging read if you aren't used to academic styles (or if you're rusty). However, chock full of great information and recommendations, and the fact that parts of it were written in Bloomington while I was likely completing my PhD warms my heart.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful and informational, but also very clinical. May not appeal to the average person- but someone who is interested in the natural and social sciences will find it useful.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical account (mainly 1800s and 1900s) of women (mostly in the U.S.) in scientific fields.

The book describes the different levels that women face sexism and discrimination, including in authorship, production, collaboration, contributorship, funding, mobility, scientific impact, and social institutions. It then goes to describe the ways that this can be changed.

Many visual aids were provided to help physically see the statistics involved in the scenarios and issues brought up in each of these factors.

It was the most challenging book I have read thus far, but I enjoyed it nevertheless and I will be rereading it and referencing back to it in the future.


I only wish there were more data from 2000 - present day, especially with the technological advantages and inclusivity that we have in the U.S. now. I would have also loved to learn about statistics during and after the pandemic.

[Julia Dunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a lot of cool things, but it felt like reading someone else's dissertation…I didn't even want to read my own