Infrastructure, confidence and network: Motherhood as a scientist in Germany

Abstract

Female scientists are facing specific and significant problems in Germany - paradoxically because of their high level of education. The aim of this chapter is to explain this situation using a case study and observations from statistical analyses and reviews. Two general approaches to tackling this problem are described and contrasted with respect to their effects. General observations about these issues from scientific and journalistic publications are interspersed with the authors' first-hand experience and their conclusions on these.