Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction: Women in science: Why so few?
- 1 The science career pipeline
- 2 Women and science: Athena Bound
- 3 Gender, sex and science
- 4 Selective access
- 5 Critical transitions in the graduate and post-graduate career path
- 6 Women's (and men's) graduate experience in science
- 7 The paradox of critical mass for women in science
- 8 The ‘kula ring’ of scientific success
- 9 Women's faculty experience
- 10 Dual male and female worlds of science
- 11 Differences between women in science
- 12 Social capital and faculty network relationships
- 13 Negative and positive departmental cultures
- 14 Initiatives for departmental change
- 15 International comparisons
- 16 Athena Unbound: Policy for women in science
- Appendix
- Bibliography
- Index
6 - Women's (and men's) graduate experience in science
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 September 2009
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction: Women in science: Why so few?
- 1 The science career pipeline
- 2 Women and science: Athena Bound
- 3 Gender, sex and science
- 4 Selective access
- 5 Critical transitions in the graduate and post-graduate career path
- 6 Women's (and men's) graduate experience in science
- 7 The paradox of critical mass for women in science
- 8 The ‘kula ring’ of scientific success
- 9 Women's faculty experience
- 10 Dual male and female worlds of science
- 11 Differences between women in science
- 12 Social capital and faculty network relationships
- 13 Negative and positive departmental cultures
- 14 Initiatives for departmental change
- 15 International comparisons
- 16 Athena Unbound: Policy for women in science
- Appendix
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
The overall picture is of a prevailing academic culture that provides inadequate direction and mentoring for women, thereby eroding their self-confidence. In the first years of the program, women Ph.D. students experience the entire range of disorientation delineated in the Srole anomie scale: (1) the perception that community leaders are indifferent to one's needs; (2) the perception that little can be accomplished in the society which is seen as unpredictable; (3) the perception that life-goals are receding from reach rather than being realized; (4) a sense of futility; and (5) the conviction that one cannot count on personal associates for social and psychological support.
In addition, the individual is left with the feeling that it is she who is to blame, and this exacts a severe psychic toll including doubts about competency that prevent the successful working through of problems as they arise. It is not surprising that half of the informants revealed having sought personal psychological counseling during this period.
Isolation also creates powerlessness, loneliness, and confusion which, in many cases, leads to dropping out.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Athena UnboundThe Advancement of Women in Science and Technology, pp. 83 - 104Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2000