Kate at A K8, A Cat, A Mission chose a very good topic, “transcending the debate”, for this month’s Scientiae Carnival, which I am contributing to for the first time. Here goes.
I believe that transcending gender issues in STEM fields involves setting the expectations ourselves. That is, behaving in a way that embodies what we want from our lives and our careers and demanding that others regard us how we wish. There are many confounding factors that make science jobs difficult for women. But it’s the jobs that are hard, not the science. We can do the science if someone would just take away the bullshit. So, I believe that rising above the debate comes from having the chops and not letting anyone think we don’t.
Doing the science in a way that improves the outlook for women entails shaking the guilt for being passionate. We don’t need to feel guilty for working at work, even if we want to work for a really long time. For wanting to run experiments more than we want to clean the bathroom or decorate the living room. By the same token, we should not feel guilty about wanting to live, either. For wanting to leave after just 8 hours because we have a dinner date or want to get home in time to watch Lost (and not hiding those plans from our colleagues or bosses). Or not wanting to go to a conference because we really don’t want to miss little Susie’s recital that is scheduled for the same day. We should do what we want, whether it’s working more than our mother-in-laws approve of or working less than the men act like they do.
This is not their system to dictate how we work. It’s our system too. We can do what we want with it. We can create part time jobs for each other. We can lower the requirements for tenure just a little bit. We can demand daycare on site. We can show some sympathy when one of our ranks has to stop an experiment short to go home to a sick kid, even finish the experiment for that mother. Or father, because part of our expectations should involve demanding more from men. Expecting that they know what size shoes the kids wear. That they notice when the bathroom is dirty, too. That we can rest assured that there will be no sexist comments towards us, no matter how subtle.
I know that women continue to be under represented at higher ranks in many STEM fields despite the larger numbers of female students for many years. I wish that the women who have made a career in science could feel empowered to make it easier for those young women to join them. And I know that many women are so overwhelmed that the pressure of being a role model/activist/leader might feel like too much. I’m sure many (most?!) women have it much tougher than I have it in my majority female lab, but we’re all in this together. Some collective effort can make science a friendlier place for women and parents. Then we will be able to not just transcend the debate, but make it obsolete.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
wasteful
uck. I just saw a commercial for a jewelry store where a man watches a women open a gift from him. Each brightly wrapped box contains a smaller wrapped box. After about six elaborately wrapped boxes, the woman finally gets to a diamond necklace. I remember once S4's high school boyfriend did this for her and I thought it was so romantic (I was probably 6). I wished someone would do that for me someday. Now I just think it's disgusting to waste that much paper.
I really enjoy exchanging gifts though, especially at Christmas. My mom goes totally nuts; she buys a bajillion presents and gets all excited like a kid, singing and dancing around the house, which is probably why I like it so much. But when we were kids, we only really got new stuff at birthdays or Christmas because money was tight and there were so many of us (I am one of seven children). Even now, my mom buys a large portion of my clothes for me as birthday and Christmas gifts.
My pleasure in gift exchange has become somewhat tainted by my interest in non consumerism. I try to limit gift exchange with friends and coworkers because I end up buying stuff that I don't really have the money to buy and they don't really want.. That's fine, I guess, since it's the thought that counts. But it makes me feel so ick watching the tv ads this time of year and knowing all the energy and resources that will go to making and transporting all that stuff and I want to contribute to it as little as possible. So my best friend and I use the money we would have used to buy each other some kind of scented candle to go out together. We'd rather spend quality time together with no money guilt attached than have another picture frame.
Sorry this post was a little stream-of-consciousness. Arduous has spent much more time thinking about this issue, which got me thinking about holiday consumerism -- along with that commercial.
I really enjoy exchanging gifts though, especially at Christmas. My mom goes totally nuts; she buys a bajillion presents and gets all excited like a kid, singing and dancing around the house, which is probably why I like it so much. But when we were kids, we only really got new stuff at birthdays or Christmas because money was tight and there were so many of us (I am one of seven children). Even now, my mom buys a large portion of my clothes for me as birthday and Christmas gifts.
My pleasure in gift exchange has become somewhat tainted by my interest in non consumerism. I try to limit gift exchange with friends and coworkers because I end up buying stuff that I don't really have the money to buy and they don't really want.. That's fine, I guess, since it's the thought that counts. But it makes me feel so ick watching the tv ads this time of year and knowing all the energy and resources that will go to making and transporting all that stuff and I want to contribute to it as little as possible. So my best friend and I use the money we would have used to buy each other some kind of scented candle to go out together. We'd rather spend quality time together with no money guilt attached than have another picture frame.
Sorry this post was a little stream-of-consciousness. Arduous has spent much more time thinking about this issue, which got me thinking about holiday consumerism -- along with that commercial.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Infrastructure
Every scientist should get a full time technician. When hired as a professor or staff scientist, one expects an office and lab space. I believe that a professional technician should be part of the package. They should carry value as part of the organization's infrastructure.
More good science would get done if there were reliable and competent hands in the lab that don’t need to be retrained every 4-5 years (like grad students) , every 2-3 years (like staff funded by specific grants) or every 4-5 months (like seasonal interns). Having a technician who earns a living wage with fringe benefits would stay long enough to build institutional memory for the lab that would ease transition between students, prevent instrument problems that stem from multiple, poorly trained users, and provide leadership.
Even better, if professional technician positions paid adequately and were well respected, it would provide alternative science jobs. I know many people who really like bench or field work and they see that having only a bachelor’s or master’s degree will likely keep them cycling through short-term jobs tied to funding cycles. No 401(k). No maternity leave or paid vacation. Lousy hourly wage. Who wants to stay in that long term? Who can afford to? So people either enroll in a PhD program or find a job away from the bench. What a shame. I suspect that that is how many people end up in high pressure, high responsibility jobs that they dislike because really what they wanted was to actually do the nuts and bolts work of science, not write proposals all the time.
More good science would get done if there were reliable and competent hands in the lab that don’t need to be retrained every 4-5 years (like grad students) , every 2-3 years (like staff funded by specific grants) or every 4-5 months (like seasonal interns). Having a technician who earns a living wage with fringe benefits would stay long enough to build institutional memory for the lab that would ease transition between students, prevent instrument problems that stem from multiple, poorly trained users, and provide leadership.
Even better, if professional technician positions paid adequately and were well respected, it would provide alternative science jobs. I know many people who really like bench or field work and they see that having only a bachelor’s or master’s degree will likely keep them cycling through short-term jobs tied to funding cycles. No 401(k). No maternity leave or paid vacation. Lousy hourly wage. Who wants to stay in that long term? Who can afford to? So people either enroll in a PhD program or find a job away from the bench. What a shame. I suspect that that is how many people end up in high pressure, high responsibility jobs that they dislike because really what they wanted was to actually do the nuts and bolts work of science, not write proposals all the time.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
sloppy?
On the local NPR station, they said the weather forecast for tomorrow is "sloppy". I don't think I like sloppy.
Seven Random Facts
I got tagged by ScienceMama for another meme. How's that for two memes in two days?
Seven Random Facts about EcoGeoFemme
1. I am a nail biter. It started when I was around 8 years old, not too long after I stopped sucking my thumb. A lifetime of oral fixation.
2. I have not lived outside of the midwest U.S. expect for the one semester I studied abroad in Europe. I have lived in several midwest cities, though. I might have the opportunity to move to Far Off Land where Ecogeoman is from, but I'd rather not.
3. When I was very young, my much older brothers and sisters would torment me in many creative ways, such as truly convincing me that I was adopted or telling me that I was really the oldest but I had a disease that stunted my growth so our parents told me I was the youngest to spare my feelings. I believed this (almost) for some time. I have not yet concluded what this teasing has contributed to my adult personality.
4. I like beer best of all the adult beverages, but I'm learning to like wine. I made an effort to develop a palate for beer, so now I can appreciate different flavors of different styles. We have some friends who are really into wine -- I'll go so far as to say that they are wine snobs -- who serve delicious wine when we go to their place. Sampling such lovely bottles has dramatically increased my interest in and enjoyment of wine. Now I just have to get a job so I can afford to like wine. I almost never drink spirits.
5. I like working in a lab because I don't have to deal with too many people. When I worked retail in high school and college, I just couldn't stand always being nice to people I didn't know and didn't care about. I was nice, but I didn't like it and would make fun of customers when they left. It's much better now that I see only the same dozen or so people every day.
6. I super love having my hair played with or my back scratched in that tickly, caressing way that mothers and significant others do.
7. I don't really like seeing live music that much. It's usually too loud. I've been to a few shows that have been really fun, but on the whole I avoid spending my money and time seeing bands perform.
Now I have to tag 7 people. I just tagged 8 people for yesterday's meme. I feel a little weird tagging so many people at once since I'm new to the blog game and I don't think many of these people read this blog and maybe don't do memes, but I'll suck it up and do it. I tag:
Propter Doc, Hypoglycemiagirl, Jenny F., CAE, Am I a Woman Scientist, and FemalCSgradstudent. and I'll tag Wayfarer Scientista back.
Rules:1- Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.2- Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself.3- Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.4- Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Seven Random Facts about EcoGeoFemme
1. I am a nail biter. It started when I was around 8 years old, not too long after I stopped sucking my thumb. A lifetime of oral fixation.
2. I have not lived outside of the midwest U.S. expect for the one semester I studied abroad in Europe. I have lived in several midwest cities, though. I might have the opportunity to move to Far Off Land where Ecogeoman is from, but I'd rather not.
3. When I was very young, my much older brothers and sisters would torment me in many creative ways, such as truly convincing me that I was adopted or telling me that I was really the oldest but I had a disease that stunted my growth so our parents told me I was the youngest to spare my feelings. I believed this (almost) for some time. I have not yet concluded what this teasing has contributed to my adult personality.
4. I like beer best of all the adult beverages, but I'm learning to like wine. I made an effort to develop a palate for beer, so now I can appreciate different flavors of different styles. We have some friends who are really into wine -- I'll go so far as to say that they are wine snobs -- who serve delicious wine when we go to their place. Sampling such lovely bottles has dramatically increased my interest in and enjoyment of wine. Now I just have to get a job so I can afford to like wine. I almost never drink spirits.
5. I like working in a lab because I don't have to deal with too many people. When I worked retail in high school and college, I just couldn't stand always being nice to people I didn't know and didn't care about. I was nice, but I didn't like it and would make fun of customers when they left. It's much better now that I see only the same dozen or so people every day.
6. I super love having my hair played with or my back scratched in that tickly, caressing way that mothers and significant others do.
7. I don't really like seeing live music that much. It's usually too loud. I've been to a few shows that have been really fun, but on the whole I avoid spending my money and time seeing bands perform.
Now I have to tag 7 people. I just tagged 8 people for yesterday's meme. I feel a little weird tagging so many people at once since I'm new to the blog game and I don't think many of these people read this blog and maybe don't do memes, but I'll suck it up and do it. I tag:
Propter Doc, Hypoglycemiagirl, Jenny F., CAE, Am I a Woman Scientist, and FemalCSgradstudent. and I'll tag Wayfarer Scientista back.
Rules:1- Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.2- Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself.3- Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.4- Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Lists of 8 tag
Wayfarer Scientista tagged me for my very first meme, that requires 8 responses to several topics. Turns out, it’s a hard one. For most of these categories, I could quickly think of 4 or 5 things, but to come up with 8 was difficult. Like Wayfarer, mine are not in any order.
8 passions
1. my research subject. I believe all historical, political, and ecological phenomenon result from the thing I study.
2. my family and close friends
3. the complexity and elegance of nature
4. knitting, although my interest has waned lately
5. women-in-science issues, actually equality-for-women issues, although I have no formal training in women’s studies.
6. blogs, because of number 5 and because I like the community.
7. my relationship with ecogeoman
8. politics, especially environmental issues
8 things to do before I die
1. get married
2. have children
3. get a paper published
4. see a paper cited at least once
5. learn to enjoy a physical activity. I’d like to take up running or a sport long enough to start to like it.
6. live near my family
7. take a vacation that is not to visit anyone. To a beach. Not camping. When I have saved up for it so I’m not worried about money and will order all the pina coladas I want without feeling guilty about the credit card balance. Or taking off work.
8. take a class (like pottery or pilates) that results in new friends. This would be different for me because the friends would not be related to work in any way and would be an outcome of my initiative.
8 things I often say
1. Can you just …? For example, when ecogeoman is working later than I’d like, “can you just come home now?”
2. “Butt”, or replacing syllables in other words with “butt” as in abuttment rather than apartment. More often, butt gets inserted into people’s names.
3. b!tch a*s mother f**cker
4. dude
5. “Well” when I’m exasperated, but I pronounce it more like “wool”. Ecogeoman really makes fun of this.
6. “you’re so good” Always meant sincerely.
7. “enough is as good as a feast.” I think this more than I say it.
8. “and the other thing is…” My way of ranting or continuing a dying conversation.
8 books I recently read
1. Currently, A women of Independent Means by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey
2. Started Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray because I promised Awesome Technician I would, against my better judgment. I didn’t get past chapter 3.
3. Started The End of Faith by Sam Harris because I told Ecogeoman I would. I didn’t get past chapter 3.
4. Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
5. The Stranger by Albert Camus
6. The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
7. The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin
8. Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng
8 songs that mean something to me
1. “Every Time You Go Away” by Paul Young because S3 and I decided it was “our song” when she was in college and I was a little kid. I would sob every time she left to go back to school after a break.
2. “No Rain” by Blind Melon because it’s my favorite song ever.
3. “You Are My Sunshine” because my mom used to sing it with my aunt when they were little kids. Since my aunt died, we all think of her when we hear that song.
4. Anything from Fashion Nugget by Cake, because for some reason I played it continuously my sophomore year of college.
5. “Manic Monday” by the Bangles because it was the first song I learned the lyrics for.
6. “Deacon Blues” by Steely Dan, because I used to argue that Steely Dan sucked with a very good friend who loved them and who died 18 months ago. Any Steely Dan song reminds me of him, but Deacon Blues is my least favorite and the one we debated most.
7. Any song on The Big Chill soundtrack, which S2 and I used to always listen and sing to, especially in the car.
8. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen because it somehow ended up on nearly every mix cd I have.
8 qualities I look for in a friend
1. trustworthiness
2. intelligence
3. silly sense of humor
4. low maintenance
5. positive
6. non judgmental
7. not too materialistic
8. common interests
8 people who's blogs I enjoy and who may consider themselves tagged if they wish
1. A Cat Nap
2. A Mad Tea-Party
3. Everything and More
4. Just a Girl
5. Mother of All Scientists
6. Rising to the Occasion
7. The Bean Chronicles
8. Unbalanced Reaction
Sick Day
Warning: This post is a big whine.
I'm home sick today. I woke up yesterday with a sore throat, aches, and fever. I still had to drive the 5.5 hours home from my parents' house, which ended up taking 7.5 hours because it rained the whole way and we had to make extra stops to get tea for me, and then extra bathroom stops because of the extra tea. Ecogeoman doesn't drive in the U.S., so I couldn't sleep because I had to drive. When we got home, I went straight to bed with that kind of fever where you pile on four blankets and still have goosebumps. I'm feeling better today after 13 hours of sleep, but not well enough to go to work. Even though I really really wanted to get samples ready for the last bit of data I need for my talk.
Hopefully I'll be better tomorrow.
I'm home sick today. I woke up yesterday with a sore throat, aches, and fever. I still had to drive the 5.5 hours home from my parents' house, which ended up taking 7.5 hours because it rained the whole way and we had to make extra stops to get tea for me, and then extra bathroom stops because of the extra tea. Ecogeoman doesn't drive in the U.S., so I couldn't sleep because I had to drive. When we got home, I went straight to bed with that kind of fever where you pile on four blankets and still have goosebumps. I'm feeling better today after 13 hours of sleep, but not well enough to go to work. Even though I really really wanted to get samples ready for the last bit of data I need for my talk.
Hopefully I'll be better tomorrow.
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