Feb 10 • 03:15 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

The debt of science to women

The article discusses the structural inequities in science that disadvantage women and emphasizes the need for inclusive approaches to research.

The article examines the lasting inequities in the scientific field regarding gender, suggesting that the focus has traditionally been on access to education and publications, which remains crucial. However, it introduces the notion that a deeper, more structural debt exists in the scientific inquiry itself—specifically, in the types of questions posed, and the experiences and perspectives that inform scientific knowledge. The modern scientific paradigm, rooted in an androcentric model, often defaults to a narrow definition of humanity that prioritizes male, white, heteronormative, and productive identities.

Moreover, this gender bias in scientific inquiry not only shapes research priorities and methodologies but also impacts which phenomena are studied and understood. For instance, the article highlights the inquiries regarding menstrual cycle changes post-COVID-19 vaccination, illustrating how the scientific community's lack of engagement with women's health issues leaves significant gaps in knowledge. By failing to address the unique experiences of women, science risks perpetuating ignorance regarding their health and well-being, which can have broader implications for public health policy.

In conclusion, the article calls for a reconceptualization of scientific research that includes diverse perspectives and experiences. It advocates for a shift away from an androcentric lens to a more inclusive approach that recognizes women's roles and contributions in science, ultimately enhancing the quality of knowledge produced. This shift is not merely a matter of equality but is vital to the advancement of comprehensive and relevant scientific inquiry that reflects the diversity of human experiences.

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