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Female Presence in Brazilian Research: Paradigm Shifts

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She didn´t write it.

She wrote it, but she shouldn´t have.

She wrote it, but look what she wrote about.

She wrote it, but she wrote only one of it.

She wrote it, but she isn´t really an artist, and it isn´t really art.

She wrote it, but she had help.

She wrote it, but she´s an anomaly.

She wrote it, but…

(Russ, 1997, p. 97)

Abstract

Analyzing the context that involves historical and current reasons of gender inequality in Brazil, this study aims to analyze the positive Brazilian legislation regarding women's performance in scientific research and its effectiveness. The subject is extremely relevant for two main reasons: first, due to the absence of current research that thoroughly examines the effectiveness of laws in favor of women's performance in Brazilian science. Second, because despite the progressive advances, it is necessary to monitor women's performance with the purpose of subsidizing policies aimed at confronting inequalities. The methodology used was bibliographic review and the research technique used was indirect documental by means of written bibliographic and documentary sources. This analysis showed the lack of specific policies to encourage and ensure women's performance in the scientific field and especially the low effectiveness of existing policies. Although neutrality and impartiality are fundamental principles for doing science, in concrete reality and from a gender perspective, the academic and scientific environment are still biased and partial.

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Fig. 1

Source INEP (2018)

Fig. 2

Source Adapted from Platform Lattes (2020)

Fig. 3

Source Adapted from Platform Lattes (2020)

Fig. 4

Source CNPq (2020)

Fig. 5

Source Adapted from Nobel Prize (2020)

Fig. 6

Source Adapted from Capes (2020)

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Data Availability

We authors declare the total availability of data from our research.

Code availability

Not applicable.

Notes

  1. Researchers with greater mobility in research tend to have higher impact citations than those who are not. Less mobility may directly impact academic production and restrict the network of international collaboration and opportunities (Elsevier, 2017).

  2. The data of the platform are updated until 2015 and were accounted for the Master’s programme, Doctorate, Post-Doctorate, Research Productivity and Innovation Stimulus for Competitiveness (MCTIC, 2020).

  3. Data updated in November 30, 2016.

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Correspondence to Maria Eduarda Lievore.

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Lievore, M.E., Lievore, C. Female Presence in Brazilian Research: Paradigm Shifts. Interchange 53, 215–231 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10780-021-09452-2

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