Why are there so few women scientists? Persisting differences between women's and men's experiences in science make this question as relevant today as it ever was. This book sets out to answer this question, and to propose solutions for the future. Based on extensive research, it emphasizes that science is an intensely social activity. Despite the scientific ethos of universalism and inclusion, scientists and their institutions are not immune to the prejudices of society as a whole. By presenting women's experiences at all key career stages - from childhood to retirement - the authors reveal the hidden barriers, subtle exclusions and unwritten rules of the scientific workplace, and the effects, both professional and personal, that these have on the female scientist. This important book should be read by all scientists - both male and female - and sociologists, as well as women thinking of embarking on a scientific career.

Prepublication endorsement:‘Well-meaning proponents of women in science continue to downplay - or even deny - the pervasive personal and career difficulties faced by women scientists. Pretending that these problems don’t exist does nothing to improve the scientific climate for women or men. Athena Unbound gives us the research we need to acknowledge and begin to address these problems.’

Mary Morse - author of Women Changing Science: Voices from a Field in Transition

‘ … good on social insight’.

Joan Mason Source: Chemistry in Britain

‘I found Athena Unbound so gripping that I read it in one sitting. I expect that many women scientists, and their families, will find that it articulates as a general problem issues they have encountered in their own careers.’

Alison Winter Source: American Scientist

‘… this book has much to recommend it.’

Jan Leach Source: Chemistry & Industry

‘ … a timely contribution. While the book’s focus is on academic science, it can claim greater breadth because of its concern with ‘the quality of women’s experience in academic science’, including how they are educated in college and graduate school … [There’s much to like in this book] … Athena Unbound is full of righteous indignation, and it makes many important points.’

Source: Chemical and Engineering News

‘ … the authors’ quantitative analysis method is respectable.’

Source: Nature