Athena Unbound: The Advancement of Women in Science and Technology [Paperback]

Henry Etzkowitz (Author), Carol Kemelgor (Author), Brian Uzzi (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521787386 | ISBN-13: 978-0521787383 | Publication Date: November 6, 2000 | Edition: 1st

Why are there still so few female scientists? Despite the scientific ethos of universalism and inclusion, women continue to experience real social inequities as they struggle to gain recognition in the scientific community. Based on extensive interviews and backed by quantitative analysis, this compelling work exposes the hidden barriers, subtle exclusions, and unwritten rules that confront women at every juncture along the scientific career path--from childhood to retirement. Through vivid personal accounts the authors offer an illuminating and sobering view of the effects these obstacles have on the personal and professional lives of women. They argue that women can succeed in the scientific workplace by successfully managing "social capital," those networks and relationships scientists rely on for professional support and new ideas. This benchmark volume is vital reading for all scientists and social scientists--both male and female--and for women considering a scientific career.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This in-depth inquiry into why there are so few women scientists isn't the first study of its kind, nor is it likely to be the last. Certainly advancements have been made since such famous pioneers as Lise Meitner and Rachel Carson faced blatant resistance to their quests. More girls and young women study science than ever before, resulting in a notable increase in the number of women science graduate students, yet, compared to their male colleagues, few go on to achieve professional success. Etzkowitz and his coauthors, Carol Kemelgor and Brian Uzzi, conducted numerous interviews with women and men to determine the difference in their academic and professional experiences, and they have identified some subtle and insidious factors that contribute to women scientists' marginalization. The authors balance their extremely detailed analysis with a humanistic perspective as they compare and contrast the status of women scientists in different countries, characterize both exclusionary and supportive forms of networking, and, ultimately, offer some surprising and hopeful conclusions. Donna Seaman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"The authors balance their extremely detailed analysis with a humanistic perspective as they compare and contrast the status of women scientists in different countries, characterize both exclusionary and supportive forms of networking, and, ultimately, offer some surprising and hopeful conclusions." Booklist

"...a timely contribution. While the book's focus is on academic science, it can claim greater breadth because of its concern with 'the quality of women's experience in academic science,' including how they are educated in college and graduate school...Athena Unbound makes some important suggestions. Now is the time to act upon them." Chemical & Engineering News

"I found Athena Unbound so gripping that I read it in one sitting. I expect that many women scientists, and their families, will find that it articulates as a general problem issues they have encountered in their own careers." American Scientist Sept-Oct 2001

"The eye-opening text draws upon various studies and surveys and hundreds of interviews with science students and faculty and presents recommendations for reform, especially in academia." Northwestern Summer 2001

"There's much to like in this book" Chemical & Engineering News

"The authors are to be applauded for helping to keep the unique challenges of women in science at the forefront of social consciousness." CELL May 2001

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1st edition (November 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521787386
• ISBN-13: 978-0521787383
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #648,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Athena Unbound, December 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Athena Unbound: The Advancement of Women in Science and Technology (Paperback)

I read this book with tremendous interest. The stories it contains resonated in me or seemed to fit friends and colleagues. I have given Athena Unbound to family members upon graduation (from engineering school) and to my own women Chemistry students for graduation. I think it is important for my students to know what problems may lie before them and how they may be side-stepped. This book does a great job of outlining what these problems may be. Science is still a man's world. Forewarned is forearmed!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to Subject, April 27, 2001

By 

Caterpillar Girl (Boulder, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Athena Unbound: The Advancement of Women in Science and Technology (Paperback)

This book is one of the best books I have read on the subject of women in science. It will appeal to the general public, who tire quickly of statistic upon statistic. Instead, this book gives a broad overview of the gender issues surrounding science and approached to resolve these issues. Should be required reading in any gender or science history class, I think, though the focus is on contemporary issues not historical documentation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best in class for women in science books, July 6, 2006

By 

Laura L. Mays Hoopes "woman in science" (Claremont, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Athena Unbound: The Advancement of Women in Science and Technology (Paperback)

I probably have read every book on women in science for the last thirty years or so, and I regret that so many are data-rich to the point of unreadability. Athena Unbound is a refreshing exception; it delves into situations of women who marry and have children, situations of women whose mentors do not mentor them, and many other difficulties women experience when trying to become and stay scientists. I read this one all the way through in one sitting, then read it again slower to savor all of its insights. I recommend it very highly, up there with the older but still zingy Vivian Gornick, Women in Science.