Gender and Science: New Issues

Gender and Science: New Issues examines the complex relationship between gender and scientific endeavors across history. Londa Schiebinger analyzes how gender has influenced scientific institutions, methods, and knowledge production. The book explores case studies from multiple scientific disciplines to demonstrate how gender assumptions have shaped research questions and interpretations. Key topics include women's historic participation in science, gendered aspects of scientific language, and the impact of feminist perspectives on scientific inquiry. Schiebinger documents specific instances where gender bias has affected scientific outcomes and methodologies. This work combines historical research with contemporary analysis of scientific practices and institutions. The text contributes to broader discussions about objectivity in science and the role of social factors in knowledge creation. It raises fundamental questions about the relationship between identity, power structures, and the production of scientific knowledge.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Londa Schiebinger's overall work: Readers appreciate Schiebinger's thorough research and detailed analysis of gender's role in scientific history. Her work "Plants and Empire" receives praise for documenting how colonialism and gender intersected in botanical knowledge transfer. What readers liked: - Clear presentation of historical evidence - Reveals overlooked contributions of women scientists - Shows concrete examples of gender bias in scientific institutions - Well-documented primary sources What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style can be challenging - Some sections repeat arguments - High price point of academic texts - Limited accessibility for general audiences On Goodreads: "The Mind Has No Sex?" - 4.1/5 (42 ratings) "Plants and Empire" - 4.0/5 (31 ratings) "Nature's Body" - 4.2/5 (25 ratings) One reader noted: "Her research transformed how I view scientific objectivity." Another commented: "Important work but could be more concise." Amazon reviews are limited due to academic pricing, with most books receiving 4-5 stars from university purchasers.

Has Feminism Changed Science? by Londa Schiebinger This work examines the impact of feminist movements on scientific research methodologies and institutional structures from the enlightenment to modern day.

Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics by Catherine Hall and Christianne Corbett The text analyzes research data and sociological studies to explain persistent gender gaps in STEM fields.

The Gender and Science Reader by Muriel Lederman and Ingrid Bartsch This collection presents key writings on feminist critiques of scientific practice, gender bias in research, and the historical exclusion of women from scientific institutions.

Women in Science: Then and Now by Vivian Gornick The book traces the experiences of women scientists through interviews and historical accounts, documenting their struggles and contributions across multiple scientific disciplines.

Laboratory Life: The Construction of Scientific Facts by Bruno Latour This anthropological study of laboratory culture reveals how gender and social dynamics influence the production of scientific knowledge.

🔬 The author, Londa Schiebinger, pioneered the field of gender and science studies and is currently the John L. Hinds Professor of History of Science at Stanford University. 🧪 The book examines how gender biases have historically influenced scientific research, including how certain questions were asked—or not asked—based on researchers' gender perspectives. 📚 This work builds on Schiebinger's earlier groundbreaking book "The Mind Has No Sex?" (1989), which was one of the first comprehensive studies of women in science from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. 🔍 The book reveals how gendered language in science (such as describing sperm as "active" and eggs as "passive") has affected scientific understanding and interpretation of biological processes. 🌟 Schiebinger introduced the concept of "gendered innovations," showing how considering gender in research can lead to new discoveries and better science, which has since become a major focus area in both European and American scientific institutions.