Women in freshwater science: invisible histories?
C. F. J. Waterton
A D , M. D. Toogood B and M. W. Heim C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Centre for the Study of Environmental Change, Sociology Department, Bowland North, Lancaster, Lancaster University, LA1 4YN, UK.
B Historical Geography, Kirkham Building, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
C Low Wood, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LY, UK.
D Corresponding author. Email: c.waterton@lancaster.ac.uk
Marine and Freshwater Research 71(2) 255-259 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF18462
Submitted: 3 December 2018 Accepted: 14 August 2019 Published: 6 December 2019
Abstract
Women scientists have historically been subject to direct and indirect discrimination. This opinion piece argues for a history of freshwater science that recognises the scientific achievements of women. It suggests that lack of opportunity for women scientists in the 20th century is typified by the stereotype that women were naturally predisposed to non-intellectual pursuits and, therefore, ill fitted to science. Freshwater science in Britain possibly provided a distinctive space for women in science, in spite of widespread lack of opportunity. Over 20 women scientists were working in one institution in the inter-war period, and during and immediately after the Second World War. Yet, outside of that specific context, their work is barely known. We give examples of these women and their work and argue that the historical invisibility of women in aquatic sciences needs to be more thoroughly addressed, so as to understand the work of women scientists as having historical, social, as well as scientific, significance.
Additional keywords: gender, history of science, inequality.
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