In U.S. academia, fields that cherish sheer genius shun women.: “The fields whose members said they most valued sheer intellectual brilliance such as philosophy, physics and math were the most likely to have fewer women in their ranks. The disciplines in which the ‘spark of genius’ was least emphasized such as education, psychology and anthropology had greater numbers of women.”
Choice vs “the Patriarchy Opression”. I’m certainly not the brightest bulb in the box but amongst the REALLY Smart People (vs just the people who think they are Smart) that I have known, they could care nary a twit what someone’s gender was – they only cared about results. What were the ideas and what insights were brought. Yes, a meritocracy (as opposed to what we see in the Political Class / Crony Capitalism Cabal where “brilliance” is measured by your Rolodex – and who the others that have YOU in theirs). Not this, IMHO:
When those in certain disciplines send the message that raw, inherent brilliance is required for success, such views combine with existing cultural stereotypes to suppress women’s participation in the field, Leslie added.
I haven’t read the report and I’m not going to either. I’ve seen enough stuff like this over the past few years to know that there is ALWAYS a narrative that has to be either created or defended and most often
The survey focused on gender gaps but unearthed racial issues as well, finding that the fields that covet brilliance also had lower numbers of black participants. The researchers say they plan to investigate that issue in future work.
Drs. Sowell, Carson, Williams and Col. Allen West, for four quick examples, would be amused, I bet. Just gotta throw that race card along with the gender one.
(H/T: Instapundit)
