RSU Studies Inequality in Science: Women Judged on Achievements, Men on Potential
Riga Stradins University is studying inequality in science. Although women make up more than half of academic staff in Latvia, they are less represented in leadership roles.
Science is not only about producing new knowledge and discoveries. Its results affect people's health, the environment, technology and everyday life.
There is a common belief that science is an objective and neutral field where the most talented and hardworking people succeed. In practice, however, opportunities in the sector are not equal.
Women are a minority in leadership
In Latvia, women make up a significant share of those working in science: 55.1% of academic staff are women. Even so, they remain less represented in senior positions.
A different standard of evaluation
According to the findings of researchers at Riga Stradins University (RSU), women in research are assessed on what they have already accomplished, while men are assessed on their potential. RSU is currently studying this inequality.
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