In the past physics was seen as a very masculine subject. Although it is still male dominated, do you feel that the

Question: In the past physics was seen as a very masculine subject. Although it is still male dominated, do you feel that the prejudices against women are a thing of the past?
- Keywords:
  gender,
  prejudice,
  society
Asked by josiepaton to Fiona on 18 Jun 2013.
- Fiona Coomer answered on 18 Jun 2013:
  
  Unfortunately, the physical sciences are still very male dominated, though things are getting a bit better. Just look at the scientists in this zone – I am the only woman, and I’m a chemist rather than a physicist. I’ve certainly never experienced any obvious sexism, and there are now a number of schemes trying to encourage female scientists, but it can decades to change the culture. Science is an incredibly competitive discipline, and testosterone fuelled men tend to be more competitive (though this is a generalisation) so can be better suited to pushing ahead in the field, but this certainly shouldn’t be a barrier to any woman who is interested.

Question: In the past physics was seen as a very masculine subject. Although it is still male dominated, do you feel that the prejudices against women are a thing of the past?