Women in Field Biology: A Journey into Nature

Description

Women are contributing to disciplines once the sole domain of men. Field biology has been no different. The history of women field biologists, embedded in a history largely made and recorded by men, has never been written. Compilations of biographies have been assembled, but the narrative―their story―has never been told. In part, this is because many expressed their passion for nature as writers, artists, collectors, and educators during eras when women were excluded from the male-centric world of natural history and science. The history of women field biologists is intertwined with men’s changing views of female intellect and with increasing educational opportunities available to women. Given the preponderance of today’s professional female ecologists, animal behaviorists, systematists, conservation biologists, wildlife biologists, restoration ecologists, and natural historians, it is time to tell this story―the challenges and hardships they faced and still face, and the prominent role they have played and increasingly play in understanding our natural world. For a broader perspective, we profile selected European women field biologists, but our primary focus is the journey of women field biologists in North America. Each woman highlighted here followed a unique path. For some, personal wealth facilitated their work; some worked alongside their husbands. Many served as invisible assistants to men, receiving little or no recognition. Others were mavericks who carried out pioneering studies and whose published works are still read and valued today. All served as inspiration and proved to the women who would follow that women are as capable as men at studying nature in nature. Their legacy lives on today. The 75 female field biologists interviewed for this book are further testament that women have the intellect, stamina, and passion for fieldwork. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Preamble Acknowledgments Authors Section 1 Historical Perspective Chapter 1 Introduction Origins: Europe Origins: North America References Chapter 2 Pre-1880 (Late Age of Discovery) Europe North America References Chapter 3 1880 to 1916 (Gilded Age) References Chapter 4 1917 to 1945 (War and Interwar Years) The Chicago Plant Ecologists The Chicago Animal Ecologists The Nebraska/Minnesota Plant Ecologists The Wisconsin Limnologists The Cornell Legacy Elsewhere in the United States References Chapter 5 1945 to 1972 (Postwar Years) References Chapter 6 1972 to Present (Civil Rights Era) References Section 2 Current Perspectives Chapter 7 Backgrounds, Paths, and Careers Chapter 8 Experiences and Perspectives Role Models and Mentors Tales from the Field Joys and Challenges of Motherhood and Field Biology Advocacy for Women; Science Outreach; Service to the Profession Are There Advantages to Being a Woman in the Field? Hardships and Challenges Microaggressions (and Some Not So Micro) Positive Change Increasing Diversity and Inclusivity “Words of Wisdom” for the Next Generation Section 3 Looking Toward the Future Chapter 9 Ongoing Challenges and Moving Forward Gender Bias in Science Additional Challenges Faced by Women Field Biologists Ethnic and Racial Minorities in Field Biology Moving Forward References Index