In recent comments to the National Academy of Sciences (The Scientist, Jan. 20, 1992, page 3), Radcliffe College president Linda Wilson criticized a research culture dominated by white males and called for an atmosphere more hospitable to women and minorities. In a follow-up essay aimed at clarifying her remarks (The Scientist, March 16, 1992, page 11), she urged recognition of a "broader set of stakeholders" in government, academia, and industry, and she warned "those who inhabit the system" against focusing on their individual interests. Overall, she advocated that the science establishment respond to the "transformation of the characteristics of the population to be engaged in science and engineering in the academic research enterprise."
These "new `immigrants'... women and minorities," she wrote, "bring some differences in expectations" that necessitate "cross-cultural communications, reconsideration of assumptions, learning new skills and habits, and adjusting priorities."
While Wilson addressed some legitimate concerns, her remarks exemplify...
Interested in reading more?
Become a Member of
Receive full access to digital editions of The Scientist, as well as TS Digest, feature stories, more than 35 years of archives, and much more!