I just got back from dinner with three women. Now the conversation kept veering toward things like how many women faculty there are in our departments, where they are in their career, how hard things might have been at various earlier points in their careers and so on.
Now my question is this. In fields such as applied mechanics or some such clearly dominated by male geeks (and by dominated, I mean nothing more than there are many more of them in number, I am in no way referring to intellectual ability), what’s the chance a woman is going to be treated any less than perfect?
I mean, as far as I’ve seen, as a student, the number of women are usually so small in comparison with men, that the few are treated like goddesses. No matter how smart they are, capable they are, attractive (whatever criteria of judgement you choose to judge by) … they are.
i know that among students, some of the guys in those fields (some, not all) tend to think less of women – that they don’t know what they’re doing, they’re not as smart, etc. and even if they don’t specifically say things like that, they’ll tend to take control of things when working on group projects, or they’ll dominate class discussions, things like that. so it can get hard sometimes. especially for girls who are too afraid to talk or ask questions because they don’t want the guys in the class to think they are dumb. anyway, i wouldn’t be surprised if female faculty members go through similar experiences.
on a totally unconnected topic – plz visit my blog n see if u want to join up (would like it if u cud) n if u feel so inclinded plz drop me the mail
A very,very happy b’day to you!
anita: I will respond to this in probably some detail in a little while. I am, for whatever reasons, not preparing my talk/slides and goofing off online.
pramila: I do vist and I did see what is going on. I’d just rather not participate. Thanks for asking though.
you: Thank you!