Science's Return with Old Misconceptions

The late 17th Century marked the dawn of a new scientific era, yet during this time, societal norms largely dictated that women remain passive. The prevailing mindset viewed nature as feminine while science was seen as an exclusively masculine pursuit. The belief that women engaging in scientific inquiry was unnatural was widespread, leading to the notion that women were intellectually inferior to men, fueled by early Darwinian ideas in the 19th Century.

Darwin's views contributed to the narrative that men possessed inherently superior intellects, a notion that persisted for decades. His perspective considered male experiences to be more rigorous due to societal pressures, while women were thought to be shielded from such challenges, thereby reinforcing stereotypes of female inferiority.

The Professionalization of Science and Gender Exclusion

The formal establishment of science as a profession coincided with Darwin's era, yet many prestigious scientific institutions barred women from participation for many years. Consequently, to carve a niche in the scientific community, women often had to align themselves with male figures—usually relatives—to gain recognition. The Mathew Matilda effect, which highlights the combination of sexism and classism, was extensively studied by historian Margaret Rossiter.

Additionally, the prevailing perception of science as a mere collection of facts further exacerbated the gender bias. Historically, society attributed scientific discoveries to men while relegating women's contributions to supportive roles.

For instance, an obituary for physicist Hertha Ayrton criticized her scientific achievements, suggesting she should have focused on domestic duties instead. Even the illustrious Marie Curie faced accusations of appropriating her husband Pierre's work.

A Spotlight on Overlooked Women in Science

Many significant contributions from women in science have been forgotten. Mary Anning, an early 19th-century paleontologist, is renowned for discovering the first Ichthyosaurus fossil at just 11 years old, teaching herself various scientific disciplines along the way.

Lise Meitner was pivotal in advancing our understanding of radioactivity, coining the term "nuclear fission." Rosalind Franklin made groundbreaking contributions to the discovery of DNA's structure, although she received little recognition compared to her male colleagues. Similarly, Vera Rubin's work on dark matter revealed that visible matter constitutes only a small fraction of the universe.

The Rise of Diversity in Scientific Inquiry

As society progresses toward inclusivity in scientific fields, we can address the injustices women have faced. Increased diversity fosters innovative approaches to problem-solving, hinting at a promising future for scientific advancements.

"Everyone champions diversity nowadays. Our hypothesis is that diverse teams lead to diverse inquiries," notes Londa Schiebinger from Stanford University.

In a recent incident, an Italian physicist faced suspension for asserting that physics is a male-dominated field. His statement was promptly countered by physicist Donna Strickland, one of only three women to win a Nobel Prize in physics, alongside the legendary Marie Curie.

Reflecting on the past, Strickland remarked, "What would Marie Curie think? It's a misguided perspective. Historically, men were the ones working outside while women remained home. That doesn't imply women lacked capability."

As we work towards a more equitable future, where women and other marginalized groups are recognized for their contributions, science is bound to flourish. Ada Yonath, a Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, highlighted, "Women constitute half the population; by not encouraging them in science, society loses half its intellectual potential."

While there remains much work to be done, fostering an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) among young girls is a crucial step toward a brighter future for science, feminism, and society as a whole.