Professional Career of Women Scientists in the Light of Gender Stereotypes1

Abstract

Science was established by men, and women work in this field has been denied for many years. Despite the reduction of gender inequalities in the research world, the late and lower female insertion still has its brands in this universe. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the discourse of Brazilian researchers about their careers with a focus on gender relations and the process of career choice. Participants were nine women, permanent teachers in stricto sensu graduate studies programs, with diverse areas of knowledge and scientific career levels. Seven interviews were conducted in person and two with audio and video interaction. We used a script with stimulus-questions and, later, reports were analyzed according to the categorical content. The overall results showed that career choices of women researchers did not go through explicit situations of prejudice or gender inequality, but their professional trajectories did. The results are discussed in the light of the literature in the area and suggested further studies that allow enlarging the reflections on the subject.