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Gender differences in scientific productivity: a persisting phenomenon?

Author

Listed:
  • Pleun Arensbergen

    (Rathenau Institute)

  • Inge van der Weijden

    (Leiden University)

  • Peter Besselaar

    (VU University Amsterdam)

Abstract

There is substantial literature on research performance differences between male and female researchers, and its explanation. Using publication records of 852 social scientists, we show that performance differences indeed exist. However, our case study suggests that in the younger generation of researchers these have disappeared. If performance differences exist at all in our case, young female researchers outperform young male researchers. The trend in developed societies, that women increasingly outperform men in all levels of education, is also becoming effective in the science system.

Suggested Citation

  • Pleun Arensbergen & Inge van der Weijden & Peter Besselaar, 2012. "Gender differences in scientific productivity: a persisting phenomenon?," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 93(3), pages 857-868, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:93:y:2012:i:3:d:10.1007_s11192-012-0712-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-012-0712-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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