Feminism and gender perspective in Palaeontology

Abstract

Since the mid-twentieth century, feminist movements have focused much of their criticisms on the presence of androcentric biases in most scientific disciplines, causing in some of them a true revolution at a theoretical and practical level. This revolution has succeeded in their transformation in a substantial and meaningful way. During this time, palaeontology has remained relatively indifferent to these processes, perhaps because its seeming objectivity and the particular characteristics of its main object of study (the fossils) seem to isolate it from the influences coming from the current social thoughts. However, like any other science, palaeontology reflects the society in which it develops, and consequently, is also influenced, directly or indirectly, by a patriarchal ideology that continues active and discriminates against the feminine. Throughout this article we will describe how this ideology and its associated biases have manifested themselves in this professional practice; in the expressions and in the language used in their interpretations; in the reproduction of stereotypes; and in the exhibition, communication and dissemination of knowledge resulting from their research, especially in museums. The ultimate goal of this paper is to propose a reflection based on constructive criticism that allows incorporating a new perspective, which brings palaeontology closer to the reality of the 21st century, where the role of women is increasingly recognized and scientific studies try to be inclusive and free from prejudice.