2008 Joint Annual Meeting (5-9 Oct. 2008): Gender Bias in Academia: From Blatant to Subtle.

Gender bias in academia is unfortunately still alive and well. In America today it is one of the last socially accepted prejudices. If someone publicly used the n-word, in most instances they would be ostracized. However in a similar instance it is still very acceptable to use statements such as “grow some balls,” “don’t cry like a girl,” “Are you on your period or something?”  “Going through menopause?” “Bros before Hos” and many others.
In my experience, sexism changes according the position of power that the female holds. In academia, as I have risen in rank (and thus power), the sexism I have experienced has changed from blatant to subtle. Ironically, as my experience and ability to deal with sexist behavior increases, the sexist behavior becomes more subtle and therefore more difficult to address. I have experienced forms of subtle sexism that I have heard described as “thousands of tiny paper cuts.” Although one individually can seem irritating, with time and many more, they become overwhelming.  In many if not most instances, these subtle sexist behaviors result from unconscious biases. Because the behaviors are unconscious and because they are still socially acceptable, the perpetrators do not recognize the need to change.
Women in academia today still must deal with actions that are actively hostile, demeaning, and belittling. We continue to suffer misevaluation, exclusion and denial of access to resources and opportunities. Ignoring the problem will not improve conditions for our students and daughters. In the end all humanity loses when any group is denied full participation.