Women and the Challenge of STEM Professions: Thriving in a Chilly Climate (International and Cultural Psychology)

Preface References Acknowledgments Contents About the Authors Chapter 1: The Landscape for Women in the Sciences: Persistence Amidst Societal and Institutional Barriers No Place for Women Scientists Women’s Rights Legislation in the USA Legislation Affecting Women in the USA History of Women in the Sciences The Matilda Effect Some Examples of the Matilda Effect and Pioneers in the STEM Fields Hidden Figures: African American Women Scientists Identifying Latina Scientists: Even More Hidden Shining the Light on Women Scientists Women’s Career Development in STEM and the Male-Centric Challenges Career Development Processes for Women of Color Career Development for Women in STEM Social Cognitive Career Theory Professional Associations for Women Scientists The STEM Pipeline STEM Academies and Federally Funded Program for Women Summary References Chapter 2: Feminist Psychology and Sociocultural Precipitants to Women’s Leadership The Emergence of Feminism and Feminist Psychology First-Wave Feminists A French Feminist-Bridging First- and Second-Wave Feminists Second-Wave Feminism Third-Wave Feminists Black Feminists Feminist Psychology and the Psychology of Women Psychology of Women Different Perspectives on the Psychology of Women’s Development Theories and Perspectives on Women’s Psychological Development The Psychology of Women of Color Standpoint Theory Women’s Multiple and Intersecting Identities Women’s Dimensions of Personal, Intersecting Identities Adverse Identity Self-Perceptions Leadership by Women Through Feminist Perspectives and Experiences Emotional Intelligence and Resonant Leadership Summary References Chapter 3: Organizational Culture and Climate: Historic Systemic Barriers for Women Introduction Cultural Variations Across Organizations Situating Women in the Workplace Women in the World of Work: 2021 2021 Roles and Identity Congruence Academic Culture and Climate Concepts and Theories Relevant for Academic Culture The Chilly Climate in Higher Education Organizational Theories and Their Application in Contemporary Institutions Multicultural Organizational Development Structural and Systemic Dynamics and Practices Adversely Affecting Women Sexual Misconduct and Harassment in Higher Education The Persistence of Sexual Misconduct Sexual Harassment in the Sciences The Double Bind for Women of Color STEM Women in the Academy: Opportunities and the Labyrinth Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace References Chapter 4: Qualitative Methodology: Thematic Analysis Feminist Methodology Procedure Participants Analysis References Chapter 5: “Because You Can’t Do It on Your Own”: The Role of Support Mentorship Support Outside of Academia Parenthood Challenge: Support for the Work/Life Balance References Chapter 6: “Providing That Safe Place”: Attributes of an Unhealthy vs. Healthy Work Environment Unhealthy Work Environments Healthy Environments References Chapter 7: “Be Strong!” The Role of Self-Advocacy Self-Advocacy as a Personal Quality Self-Advocacy in Career Decisions Self-Advocacy in Seeking Support Chapter 8: Navigating “Mars”: Resisting Structural Barriers in Academia The Academic Environment as “Old Guard” Hiring and Tenure Process The Work of Science Chapter 9: Discussion of Findings Limitations Summary and Conclusions References Chapter 10: Recommendations and Commitments for Retaining STEM Women in the Academy Addressing Culture and Climate Issues in the Academy Policies for Hiring and Promotion and Tenure Recommendations from Participants Health and Mental Health in the Academy STEM Diversity Initiatives and Resources Recommendations for Psychologists Closing Thoughts References Index There are several motivations and reasons for examining the experiences of contemporary women scientists, from their challenges to their ways of thriving, succeeding, and persisting in traditional White male disciplines and academic cultures that remain patriarchal, sexist, and racist. "We are not women in science--we're scientists," proclaimed Donna Strickland upon receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018. She was the first woman in 55 years to receive the award. Dr. Strickland's experience is not unique among women scientists and underscores the importance of examining women's lived experiences in academia, which has historically restricted women's entrance to and advancement within careers in the sciences, engineering, and medicine. This text addresses the historic reasons for women's exclusion from scientific careers and examines how women's activism is slowly changing the landscape for women scientists This timely volume identifies factors that impede the success of women in STEM professions and demonstrates the negative impact of sexual harassment on women’s physical health, mental health, and job performance. Focusing specifically on the narratives of women in higher education, the authors illuminate the structural and systemic barriers facing women working as graduate students, faculty, and administrators. Drawing on insights from the #metoo and #timesup movements as well as the Brett Kavanaugh Senate hearings, this book: Provides real-life narratives as clarifying examples Validates the experiences of women struggling to negotiate the STEM workplace Recommends specific helpful practices for both women and employers .This book will be a valuable resource for those in academia and the workplace, and serve as an illuminating of women's experience generally.