Gendering excellence in technological reseach : a comparative European perspective

• Gender patterns in technological and engineering research careers were explored in the EU funded 13-country study PROMETEA in 2005-2007, including old and new EU member states, and Serbia, the Russian Federation and Chile. Drawing from this study, the article analyses the gendering of key arenas of excellence in technological and engineering research from a comparative international perspective, with a focus on research funding, publishing, scientific prizes and awards, and patents. A central challenge for gender-sensitive science and research policy is how to combine the promotion of scientific excellence with the promotion of gender equality. Exploring the gendering of excellence in technology and engineering research is of special interest because of the strong position this field enjoys in national, European and international research policy and in national research policies, and also because it continues to be the most male-dominated research field. Furthermore, the article discusses methodological challenges of this type of comparative research.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Genusstudier (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Gender Studies (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Övrig annan samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified (hsv//eng)

Keyword

technological research; engineering; excellence; gender; gate-keeping; research funding; publishing; prizes; comparative research; European Union.

teknologisk forskning; ingenjörsvetenskap; framstående forskning; genus; grindvakter; forskningsfinansiering; publicering; priser; jämförande forskning; Europeiska unionen

Gender studies

Genus

Technology and social change

Teknik och social förändring

Gender Studies

Genusvetenskap

Sociologi

Sociology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)