With the participation of María Sandoval, together with other members of the collaborative scientific network of CienciaFem, the original paper: “Perspectives – Academic career in Ecology: Effect of gender, caregiving labor, and the working environment” has been published in the Forest Ecology and Management journal. 

Summary: 

Using an online survey of Argentinean ecologists conducted between March and June 2020, the authors examined mechanisms behind gender differences in scientific performance and its perception. Based on 437 responses, their key findings include: 

– Women shoulder more caregiving responsibilities than men, resulting in less uninterrupted time for paid work and more time for unpaid domestic labor, especially when working from home. 

– Women tend to start their careers earlier but are promoted to higher positions later than men. 

– Women rate their own work lower than men do. 

– Both female and male researchers often choose male referents and advisers, especially among older generations. 

– The work-family interaction is perceived more negatively by early-career women, though both genders felt supported by their advisers regarding family-related issues. 

Considering the results, the main conclusions are: 

– Unpaid care work disrupts careers, with women’s greater workload impacting scientific productivity. Women balancing care and home office work highlight the need for supportive workplace environments. Post-COVID, home office has become standard, but it may be less productive for women in some scientific fields. Public policies must alleviate scientists, especially women, from heavy unpaid caregiving labor and support their detachment from domestic tasks during work hours. 

– Women judge their performance harshly, even with academic performance equivalent to that of men, and both genders value male researchers’ work more. Increasing peer recognition of women’s research should enhance their roles as advisers and referents and improve self-perception and the perception of other women’s work. 

– Policies for fair and inclusive work environments, particularly supporting women and other minorities, are essential. Public policies should aim for a fairer, more equitable working environment for women. 

The paper, which illuminates scientific work, invites reflection, and calls for action, is available here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.121801