Inclusiveness in academia
Despite many of us feeling otherwise, we are all subject to a number of forms of unconscious bias that can make openness and inclusion difficult to achieve. Although this is frustrating, it is also encouraging to know that there are ways we can reduce the impact of our biases (or even change them altogether).
Most of these links deal with gender equity in science, but of course relate to the broader issue of cultural barriers and biases, and what we can do to minimize these.
(Many thanks to Jessica Grahn—I've copied several of these links from her Women in Science page, which is an excellent resource all on its own.)
Books
Why so slow?
Virginia Valian's excellent book on the advancement of women is full of interesting empirical studies. This was the first book I read on the topic and remains one of the most influential. (Amazon)
Beyond Bias and Barriers
On balance in speaker lists for conferences and workshops
Speaker balance at conferences and workshops is extremely important: speaking is an important career step (and so balance in speakers helps those speaking), and the distribution of speakers shapes how the audience views the "experts" in the field.
- Ten simple rules to achieve conference speaker gender balance
- Increasing diversity at your conference by Ashe Dryden
- Suggestions for speaker diversity from Jonathan Eisen
- A very helpful FAQ on (gender) equality at conferences
Articles and blog posts on gender balance
- Summary of research looking at gender balance in department talks (which are 2:1 male)
- Women shouldn’t have to talk like men to be taken seriously
- Nature magazine has a special issue on women in science. If you only read one article, make it "Most of us are biased".
- Sex and Science: Tips for Faculty (PDF)- Compiled by the Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute
- Want to recruit and hire more diverse employees? Here's how.
- An explanation of the Finkbeiner Test and why it should be a standard for journalistic reporting (and other writing).
- Great list from Athene Donald on concrete actions we can take to support women (and others) in science.
- Gender diversity leads to better science
Articles and blog posts about creating an inclusive environment
Other collections of information and links
- The St. Louis chapter of the Association for Women in Science organizes local talks and events geared around education, awareness, and outreach (national website: awis.org)
- UC Hastings College of the Law presents WorkLifeLaw on recognizing gender bias, why it matters, and best practices for avoiding it (also the associated New Girls' Network)
