Gender and Science in India

Gender has figured in important ways in shaping the careers of scientists for centuries. Ideologies of gender, nature and science developed over different eras have resulted in the exclusion of women from science for a long time all over the world. Women, in fact, were barred from education itself earlier on. Later on they were allowed education but were barred entry to universities. The idea prevailed that education would distract women from their natural roles as mothers. Science and especially, technology, has been considered ‘masculine’ for a long time and gender gap in science has been is observed in most societies. The social norms, societal structure, relationship between family and work, and the organizational processes of scientific institutions, have created a series of interrelated problems for women in science. To address these problems, changes in the society at large are, thus, absolutely essential. Science and society are closely linked and there is need for changes within the social processes and institution of science.