Increasing Female Academics in Science in the United States: An Examination of Policies

Abstract

Women academics are underrepresented in science faculties at many colleges and universities in the United States. Efforts to improve the imbalance have been driven by institutional and national-level policies. This article highlights many of the policy efforts by considering the stages of policy process. The article also incorporates international differences in gender equity policy and shows how this issue can be an important part of the policy agenda in science faculties. Through an understanding of policy process, policy makers can find creative ways to grow the numbers of female science academics at universities around the country. This growth can help further expand the opportunities for future generations of female science academics.