A picture is worth a thousand words: How to use images to confront sexism in STEM

Interactive photo-research exhibits about women’s experiences in STEM can effectively engage a broad audience.

Sometimes words are not enough. In a world dominated by image-based social media platforms like Instagram, innovative approaches to science communication and discussions of gender issues in STEM are required.

In a recent paper, researchers described a unique initiative designed to engage a broad range of audiences and raise awareness about the complex experiences of women in science. The researchers worked with a professional photographer to create visually arresting photo exhibits featuring women scientists, that portrayed their identities and their experiences. Each photo was paired with related research designed to facilitate conversations about gender inequities in STEM, including responses to confronting harmful biases and stereotypes.

Portraying complex social issues using a visual medium makes the topic accessible to a diverse audience. The exhibits have been very successful and reached a wide range of audiences in academia, industry, government and the general public. Scientists featured in the exhibit as well as audiences reported positive experiences and found the exhibits to be educational, impactful and enjoyable.

Visually powerful tools such as photo exhibits are a highly effective and engaging way to facilitate discussions about gender inequities in science. The exhibits are available for display by contacting the researchers at https://edenhennessey.weebly.com/

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Study Details

Sample size(s): TBD (article notes that “data collection is ongoing”)

Participants: Participants and patrons are comprised of students, educators, researchers, government, and community members.

Design: Quantitative, Survey

Reference:

Hennessey, E. J. V., Foster, M., D., & Ghose, S. (2017). Picture this: Using photo-research exhibits as science outreach. Physics in Canada, 73(3), 144–146.

Summarized by WinSights team members: Eden Hennessey, Skye Hennessey, Shohini Ghose & Brittney Borowiec