Women in physics: A global story

A survey of 15,000 physicists from 130 countries in 8 languages revealed that women physicists universally face barriers to advancement in their scientific careers.

Out of all scientific disciplines, physics has consistently suffered the lowest representation of women. This study explored whether opportunities for men and women are equal in physics and how possible inequities may affect their careers.

The Global Survey of Physicists reached 15,000 men and women physicists from 130 countries in 8 languages and documented variation in their career experiences.

Responses highlighted that women reported facing more barriers that hinder them from progression in their scientific careers than men. The most frequently identified barriers were lack of access to resources and expectations about behaving as a physicist. Moreover, women were more likely to be significantly affected by becoming a parent, and bear the brunt of housework compared to men. Notably, findings did not differ by the developmental status of the participant’s country of origin.

This study illustrates gender-based differences in opportunities and experiences between men and women in physics and their negative effect on the careers of women physicists. The authors note that low representation of women in physics is an issue that must be addressed, as well as the inequities that affect the advancement of their careers.

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Study Details

Sample size(s): n=15000

Participants: Physicists surveyed from 130 countries, Gender proportion: 3000 women

Design: Quantitative, survey

Reference:

Ivie, R., & Tesfaye, C. L. (2012). Women in physics: A tale of limits. Physics Today, 65(2), 47–50. https://doi.org/10.1063/pt.3.1439

Summarized by WinSights team members: Emily Ana Butler, Bianca Dreyer, Catherine Palm & Mary Ajayi