Universities Biased Against People Without 'Wives'

Women are underrepresented in the sciences and engineering because of “bias and ‘outmoded institutional structures’ in academia.”

That is what a an Academy of Sciences panel has decided, according to Cornelia Dean.

“Unless a deeper talent pool is tapped, it will be difficult for our country to maintain our competitiveness in science and engineering,” the panel’s chairwoman, Donna E. Shalala, said at a news conference at which the report was made public. The report, “Beyond Bias and Barriers: Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering,” is online at www.nationalacademies.org.

So what are they proposing? Dean writes that

Among other steps, the report recommends altering procedures for hiring and evaluation, changing typical timetables for tenure and promotion, and providing more support for working parents.

OK. What does the report say?

Trustees, university presidents, and provosts should provide clear leadership in changing the culture and structure of their institutions to recruit, retain, and promote more women -- including minority women -- into faculty and leadership positions... show[ing] evidence of having conducted fair, broad, and aggressive talent searches... [holding departments] accountable for the equity of their search processes and outcomes...[setting up] body that would recommend standards.

At least they aren’t proposing beneficial legislation.

The trouble is that many universities have a

work environment in which “anyone lacking the work and family support traditionally provided by a ‘wife’ is at a serious disadvantage.”

That is certainly true. Anyone without a ‘wife’ is at a serious disadvantage in this world.

The whole flap about women in the workforce grows out of the German “creativity” and “genius” cult that grew up in the early nineteenth century. It’s all wrong of course. Before we need a “deeper talent pool” at our universities we need mothers and fathers at home, attending to the real creative project of humanity: children.

Still, you gotta admit that for many women (and men) it’s much more fun to duck out and play at the U with the girls (and boys).