Women's History Month Lecture Looks at Role of Women in Science
and Medicine
What Difference Does it Make?
Each year, NLM's History of Medicine Division sponsors a lecture
to commemorate Women's History Month. This year's edition, held
April 4th, presented Professor Sandra Harding, professor of
philosophy at the University of California, Los Angeles, speaking on
"Women in Science and Medicine: What Difference Does it Make?"
Dr. Harding said that the presence of women in the sciences
enlarges the recruitment pool, brings a needed diversity of
viewpoints to the scientific field and thus increases objectivity,
and improves scientific methods. The entrance of new minority
groups, such as women (still considered a minority in the scientific
professions, if not in the overall population), into the core group
often forces the core to rethink their methods and procedures, and
to reconcile the dichotomy between reason and emotion.
Professor Harding also mentioned that limitations that women
entering careers in science may experience. Frequently, in male-
dominated fields, women may be reluctant to voice criticisms or to
engage in vigorous debate, for fear of damaging their careers. Dr.
Harding also spoke about the role of political movements in bringing
about across- the-board changes in attitudes towards women, thus
improving their chances of entering and succeeding in the field of
science. 
Professor Sandra Harding chats with NLM Associate Director for
Extramural Programs Dr. Milton Corn. | 
