Women in Science

Opening Question: Can stereotypes and other biases interfere with scientific research?

When presented with the idea of science and experiments, the first thing that likely comes to mind is statistics and factual evidence. While these aspects are a major part of science, the subject is not solely based on them. To reach a sound conclusion, scientists must make inferences whether they are vague or detailed. According to Stephen Jay Gould, however, even the most respected scientists sometimes forget this key fact. In Gould’s essay, “Women’s Brains,” he argues that societal biases can infiltrate scientific fields and consequently create a plethora of issues. Gould utilizes comparison and contrast, a hyperbole, and strong diction to strongly develop his argument for his audience, intellectuals within the world.

Core Question 1: What is the purpose of comparing and contrasting several scientists within small excerpts?

Throughout his entire essay, Gould includes examples of several scientists’ thinking. The manner in which he lists these excerpts compares and contrasts each of them. These comparisons and contrasts build a foundation for the argument and show how even well-respected scientists can make mistakes. The first noted scientist is Paul Broca, a professor of clinical surgery. He states, “His numbers are sound. But science is an inferential exercise, not a catalog of fasts.” This shows that Paul Broca was an extremely respected scientist. However he, like other scientists of his time, believed that skull size was directly proportional to intelligence. Next, he mentions L. Manouvrier, and states that while he was a “black sheep” in his field, he believed that “women displayed their talents and their diplomas.” This showed that ...

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...ct experiments on women’s intelligence (or lack thereof) simply because it was, allegedly, a priori.

Closing Question: Are women discriminated against today?

In the midst of discussing scientific discrepancies, Gould also makes it a point to mention misogyny and gender differences as a small aspect of his overall argument. He describes it in an archaic frame of reference. In the mid-1800s, a majority of scientists believed that there was a strong correlation between skull size and intelligence; because women had smaller skulls, they were clearly the least intelligent sex. This has since been proven false, of course, but women are similarly discriminated against today. Many men still believe that they are superior and, consequently, treat women inferior. Stereotyping is common within society and should not be expected, unfortunately, to change in the near future.