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Gender and Science in Developing Areas: Has the Internet Reduced Inequality?

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  • B. Paige Miller
  • R. Sooryamoorthy
  • Meredith Anderson
  • Antony Palackal
  • Wesley Shrum

Abstract

Objective. This article examines the impact of the Internet on the research careers of female scientists in three developing areas: Ghana, Kenya, and Kerala, India. Most empirical studies of gender and science focus on the developed world, yet theoretical accounts emphasize more extreme differences in developing areas. Limited evidence from Africa and Asia shows gender inequity is restricted to a few key dimensions, broadly related to differences in human and social capital. Specifically, women are less likely to acquire an advanced degree and more likely to experience educational and organizational “localism.” Such localism is related to constraints on physical mobility that are widely expected to diminish with the introduction of the Internet. Methods. Using longitudinal data on 1,147 scientists in Ghana, Kenya, and south India, we examine gender differences in human and social capital by conducting a series of t tests and chi‐square tests. Results. We show that higher education and Internet access increased dramatically, but localism has not been reduced significantly and may be increasing. Conclusions. This finding casts doubt on the presumption that the removal of communication constraints will soon reduce career differentials resulting from the mobility constraints on women professionals.

Suggested Citation

  • B. Paige Miller & R. Sooryamoorthy & Meredith Anderson & Antony Palackal & Wesley Shrum, 2006. "Gender and Science in Developing Areas: Has the Internet Reduced Inequality?," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 87(3), pages 679-689, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:87:y:2006:i:3:p:679-689
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2006.00403.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Antony Palackal & Meredith Anderson & B. Paige Miller & Wesley Shrum, 2007. "Internet Equaliser? Gender Stratification and Normative Circumvention in Science," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 14(2), pages 231-257, June.
    2. Abramo, Giovanni & D’Angelo, Ciriaco Andrea & Murgia, Gianluca, 2013. "Gender differences in research collaboration," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 7(4), pages 811-822.

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