Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to sexism

Author: Anonymous

A member at the Department of Oncology has written the following piece in response to Linda's post entitled 'Women and Minorities in Science: Levelling the Playing Field' from a male perspective

My scientific career has developed in the era of ATHENA Swan, the Equality Act 2010, and numerous committees, working groups and directives to promote the participation of women in science. Whilst I have never for one moment had any issue with these initiatives, nor thought that the full participation of women in science could be a bad thing, I have never embraced the under representation of women in science as my problem. As such, I have failed on two fronts; to support those around me and to show any genuine empathy towards women in science that have faced microaggressions in STEM. If I can be so bold to self-diagnose, I believe this failure to invest and failure to properly engage is due my own ignorance of the problem of sexism in science. Therefore, I have been blind to the problems that women face in their career development. So, to start the process of realising that this fundamental issue that blights the profession I love is my problem, too, is by admitting my ignorance. I guess I didn’t start my career in science knowing everything, so it seems to follow that it is OK to admit I require some further education in this, too.

I will admit that, when hearing about sexism in the workplace, my thought process, probably like many other men, went something along these lines: “oh, I’m never sexist, there isn’t much I can do.” It turns out I am more than likely wrong on both counts.

I will admit that, when hearing about sexism in the workplace, my thought process, probably like many other men, went something along these lines: “oh, I’m never sexist, there isn’t much I can do.” It turns out I am more than likely wrong on both counts. Let me deal with the first, and probably most difficult point; am I ever sexist? Yes. Do I mean to be, or even worse, realise that I am? No. Recently, I was fortunate enough to be called out on my behaviour by a fellow young female researcher. I made a throwaway comment that made my colleague feel that I was unconcerned about the unfair disadvantages that women suffer in their careers, particularly in science. By failing to empathise actively, I had emphasised and reinforced the barriers within the profession, and by not acknowledging their presence, I had simply provided more evidence that the advantaged are not prepared to help the disadvantaged. Despite my internal thoughts hoping that sexism will disappear from the workplace, my external actions had not made her feel that way. I thank her for calling me out on this and educating me. The lessons learnt from this exchange were as follows; no, sexism does not affect me, but it does affect her; she is not a statistic in a league table of equality, but an actual person who I believe is a talented scientist with great potential, but will come across barriers in her career that I will not. I cannot remain passive if I want to help her, as inaction means to be part of the problem itself.

So, the second point; is there anything I can do to help? Firstly, and I really hope not to sound condescending, is to really listen to peoples’ stories. I have been amazed and shocked by some of the questions my female colleagues get asked at interviews, the types of comments women get when they take time for maternity leave or plan to return to work, or the constant refrain that women hear that it will be so difficult to progress in their career simply because of their gender. For me at least, this means I can empathise with the problem, to at least some extent, and I believe this begins the process of helping. To understand and engage with the problem is the first step to making a real change. Secondly, I think the toughest action is to be brave enough to challenge behaviour that I don’t believe supports the participation of women in science. I am not saying we all march off the to the Vice-Chancellor’s or the Head of Department’s office demanding a revolution, but what we can do is challenge the undermining comments we overhear and actively change our behaviour to ensure that we do not perpetuate these negative and soul-sapping behaviours.

Really, it is an opportunity for me to learn how people I admire and respect have their confidence and integrity undermined simply for not having inherited a Y chromosome.

I think the point that I want to emphasise is that I now understand that the efforts to promote equality and the participation of women in science are not a personal attack on me. It is not saying that I am a bad person or disagree with equality or equal opportunity. Really, it is an opportunity for me to learn how people I admire and respect have their confidence and integrity undermined simply for not having inherited a Y chromosome. The invitation for me as an ally is to listen, to learn, and then, when possible or necessary, to challenge behaviour that I now realise is the root cause of the problem of sexism.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the policy or position of the University, division or department.