I've posted before on the gender inequality and male dominance we see in most science fields, especially in physics and astronomy. A recent poll in the UK adds more evidence that there is still a big gender bias in science.
AWARENESS OF FEMALE SCIENTISTS IS SO BAD THAT 12% OF PEOPLE ASKED TO NAME ONE PICKED A DUDE INSTEAD
The poll asked 3,000 UK residents to name a female scientist. Of the scientists named, 12% named Isambard Kindon Brunel...A MALE!!! Awareness of females in science is poor if 12% of respondents named a male scientist!
In addition, when asked to name a living female scientist, 68% of respondents named Marie Curie, who died in 1934, 80 years ago!!!
Sigh. How do we combat this unawareness? The key is getting your kids involved in science at an early age. Enroll them in science programs, day camps, summer camps, etc. Take them to science museums. Do science experiments with your kids. Watch science documentaries with your child. Any bit of science you can introduce into your child's life will help improve their awareness of science in general, and as a result, increase their awareness of females in science. If, as a parent, you do your part, we can all work to improve gender equality in science and increase awareness of female scientists.
No comments:
Post a Comment