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Gender discrimination in physics and astronomy: Graduate student experiences of sexism and gender microaggressions
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Metadata
Title
Gender discrimination in physics and astronomy: Graduate student experiences of sexism and gender microaggressions
Abstract
[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Gender in Physics.] Sexism occurs when men are believed to be superior to women, and is thought to be one of the reasons for women’s underrepresentation in physics and astronomy. The issue of sexism in physics and astronomy has not been thoroughly explored in the physics education literature and there is currently no clear language for discussing sexism in the field. This article seeks to begin a conversation on sexism in physics and astronomy and offer a starting point for language to discuss sexism in research groups and departments. Interviews with 21 women in graduate physics and astronomy programs are analyzed for their individual experiences of sexism. Although a subset of women did not report experiencing sexual discrimination, the majority experienced subtle insults and slights known as microaggressions. Other participants also experienced more traditional hostile sexism in the form of sexual harassment, gender role stereotypes, and overt discouragement. These results indicate the existence of sexism in the current culture of physics and astronomy, as well as the importance departments must put on eliminating it and educating students about sexism and microaggressions.
Date
01/01/2016
Citation
Barthelemy, R. S., McCormick, M., & Henderson, C. (2016). Gender discrimination in physics and astronomy: Graduate student experiences of sexism and gender microaggressions. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 12(2), 020119. https://doi.org/10.110
Type of Publication
Author(s)
Barthelemy, Ramon S. | McCormick, Melinda | Henderson, Charles
Content
Construct
Methodology
Research Setting
Specific Interest
Target Group
Institution(s)
Department of Teacher Education, University of Jyväskylä | Department of Sociology, Western Michigan University | Department of Physics and Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan Univer
Journal Name
Physical Review Special Topics - Physics Education Research
Peer-Reviewed Status
Publisher
American Physical Society
Volume
12
Issue Number
2
ISSN
2469-9896
Resource Type
Nation(s) of Study
United States of America
Language
English