FACTORS INFLUENCING SCIENCE CAREER FOR INDIAN WOMEN
“Throughout history, social life has been gendered and constructed on the basis of
perceived differences between the sexes. This gendering of social life is created by the
following three sets of processes in society:
1) perceived assumptions of gender differences, at the ideological level, are exaggerated and justified through arguments that draw from science or religion; 2) these differences, within the socio-economic and political processes of society, are assigned different, though seemingly natural roles and entitlements, to the resources of the family and community;
3) Individual identities are imperfectly correlated with the stereotypical images of gender
group identities (Poonacha and Gopal, 2004).To examine the socio-economic and institutional factors that limit women’s participation in science, the INSA contracted a study to the RCWS, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai. The study was premised on the assumption that gender (like other social markers of class and race) is a category of social discrimination. Women have differential access to community resources and have fewer options in life to pursue creative and satisfying careers. The question therefore is: what are the socioeconomic constraints of women’s lives that restrict their access to and retention in
science careers? Are there any limitations in educational/science policies as well as institutional practices that perpetuate women’s exclusion? The study cohort was scientists and post graduate students working/studying natural science in representative sample of science research and educational institutions across the country. Due to constraints of resource and time, faculties of engineering and other applied sciences were not included.
Aims and Objectives
The study aimed at understanding the experiences of women pursuing scientific
careers, their motivation and constraints. The data were contextualized within the
broad framework of higher education and science policies and programmers in the
country, to address questions about the impact of neo-liberalization policies of
globalization and privatization on research and development institutions, and
scientists, particularly women. In doing so the study raises questions about the
purpose of scientific research and for whose benefit? These questions prompt an
investigation into the composition of the organization of scientific establishments, the
factors leading to a gendered distribution, and the overall culture of science that
retains or rejects people within it.
It is hoped that this study will have policy implications and facilitate the development
of a gender friendly environment within scientific institutions.
Research Questions
1. What is the socio-economic background of women scientists across the broad
spectrum of scientific research institutions?
2. What makes women opt for scientific careers?
3. What kinds of career paths do women scientists and students take?”
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