How depressing.
Depressing. Not surprising.
Two years ago I applied for a non-tenure-track lectureship position at a certain academic institution, which I had previously attended (so knew most of these faculty members). After going through the work of getting together references, transcripts, and statements, I was granted an interview. Then I had to prepare a lecture and endure a 6-hour day of meeting with people, lecturing, awkward lunch, etc., ultimately so that the department could say they interviewed a woman for the position. At least I was local so I didn’t incur the time and expense of traveling.
As I walked across the frozen parking lot afterwards, it occurred to me that I would never have to do that again, so in a way it was a time to rejoice.
Sadly, when it comes to men women and science, the more things change the more they remain the same.
https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/blog/its-nothing-new-sexism-in-the-lab
(Yes some progress has been made. Not nearly enough.)
PS I have a daughter pursuing a PhD in science. I wonder what her future prospects will be like, and sadly, feel trepidation and concern.
This commentary may be of interest:
https://www.nature.com/scitable/content/does-gender-matter-by-ben-a-barres-10602856
“Sadly, when it comes to men women and science, the more things change the more they remain the same.”
In science. Oh, and also in business, in finance, in tech, in VC, on boards, in Fortune 500 companies, in law firms, in accounting firms, in sports, in Hollywood, in broadcasting, in healthcare, in the restaurant industry, in the service industry, in consulting and pretty much every other occupation out there.
https://newrepublic.com/article/119239/transgender-people-can-explain-why-women-dont-advance-work is another article relating to transgender people’s experiences as both genders. Many found better acceptance at work as men than as women. However, the article does mention that black transgender people notice the difference in the “dangerous” stereotype associated with black men.
While the gross numbers may be correct, they are hardly illuminating. Read the comments on teh IHE report and you can see several potential flaws in the letter study. Suggest that the authors consider Simpson’s Paradox: