Research in Female-Dominated Disciplines is Evaluated as Lower Quality and Has Lower Funding Success Rates for Both Men and Women

Core Concepts

Researchers, both male and female, in female-dominated disciplines receive lower research quality evaluations and have lower funding success rates compared to researchers in male-dominated disciplines.

Abstract

The study analyzes data from 30 countries and finds a strong correlation between the gender balance of an academic discipline and the evaluated quality of research as well as funding success rates in that discipline. Researchers, regardless of their gender, in female-dominated disciplines receive lower research quality scores and have lower funding success rates compared to researchers in male-dominated disciplines.
The analysis of the Aotearoa New Zealand Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF) data shows that even after accounting for factors like age, number of research outputs, and other bibliometric measures, researchers in female-dominated disciplines have lower expected research scores than those in male-dominated disciplines. This effect is larger for women than for men.
The funding success rate data from the Australian Research Council (ARC), Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), and the European Institute of Gender Equality (EIGE) also demonstrate a similar pattern - researchers in male-dominated disciplines have higher funding success rates compared to those in female-dominated disciplines, for both men and women.
The study explores potential explanations for these findings, such as gender bias in evaluations, the "feminization" of certain disciplines leading to lower perceived value, and differences in research output and quality across disciplines. However, the authors note that the data shows these patterns affect both men and women, suggesting the issue is more complex than individual-level bias.
Overall, the study provides evidence that the gender composition of academic disciplines is strongly correlated with the perceived quality and funding success of the research conducted in those fields, with female-dominated disciplines facing systematic disadvantages.

Stats

"Researchers in male-dominated disciplines have, on average, more publications than researchers in female-dominated disciplines."
"A man and a woman in the same discipline have, on average, the same number of research outputs."
"Even after accounting for differences in publication rates, researchers in female-dominated disciplines still have lower expected research scores."

Quotes

"Researchers, both male and female, in female-dominated disciplines receive lower research quality evaluations and have lower funding success rates compared to researchers in male-dominated disciplines."
"The gender minority has an advantage over the majority at both ends of the gender balance spectrum. If those in the gender minority of a discipline have the same number of publications as their majority colleagues, the gender minority will, on average, receive a higher research evaluation score."

Key Insights Distilled From

Female-dominated disciplines have lower evaluated research quality and funding success rates, for men and women

by James,A., Bu... at www.biorxiv.org 03-15-2024

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.14.585000v1

Deeper Inquiries

What are the potential systemic or institutional factors that contribute to the devaluation of research in female-dominated disciplines

Several systemic and institutional factors contribute to the devaluation of research in female-dominated disciplines. One key factor is the historical gender bias prevalent in academia, where disciplines traditionally associated with women are undervalued compared to those dominated by men. This bias can manifest in various ways, such as lower funding allocation, fewer opportunities for career advancement, and less recognition for research achievements in female-dominated fields. Additionally, societal stereotypes and perceptions about the types of research conducted in these disciplines may influence how they are evaluated, leading to a devaluation of their contributions. Furthermore, the lack of representation of women in leadership positions within academic institutions and funding bodies can perpetuate this bias, as decision-making processes may not adequately consider the unique challenges and contributions of researchers in female-dominated disciplines.

How can academic institutions and funding bodies address this gender bias in research evaluation and funding to promote equity across disciplines

To address gender bias in research evaluation and funding, academic institutions and funding bodies must take proactive measures to promote equity across disciplines. One approach is to implement diversity and inclusion initiatives that aim to increase representation of women in decision-making roles and evaluation committees. By ensuring diverse perspectives are included in the evaluation process, biases can be identified and mitigated. Additionally, implementing transparent and objective evaluation criteria that focus on the quality and impact of research, rather than the gender or discipline of the researcher, can help reduce bias. Training programs on unconscious bias and gender sensitivity can also raise awareness and promote fair evaluation practices. Moreover, establishing mentorship and support programs for researchers in female-dominated disciplines can help address systemic barriers and promote their research contributions.

What are the broader societal implications of this pattern, and how might it shape the development and recognition of different fields of study over time

The pattern of devaluation of research in female-dominated disciplines has broader societal implications that can shape the development and recognition of different fields of study over time. This bias can perpetuate gender stereotypes and limit the diversity of perspectives and approaches in academic research. As a result, certain disciplines may be undervalued and underfunded, leading to a lack of innovation and progress in those areas. This pattern can also impact the career advancement and professional opportunities available to researchers in female-dominated fields, potentially hindering their academic success and contributions to their respective fields. Addressing this bias is crucial for promoting diversity, equity, and excellence in academic research, and for ensuring that all researchers have equal opportunities to thrive and make meaningful contributions to their disciplines.