Gender equity

"Why do women decide against a career in physics?"

This key question is addressed by this research field and is dedicated to the investigation of "gender gap" and glass ceiling. Gender stereotypes, dramatizations of gender differences and mechanisms of exclusion play a role on the way to new ways of career development in physics.

Physics as one of the most gender-homogenous disciplines almost provokes the question of the gendering of academic cultures of knowledge. Especially in higher career stages the perseverance of gender inequality stands out. Female physicists report lack of role models and work-life balance leading to gender-segregated career choices. Disproportionately many female physicists decide for teaching, science management or journalism. In this work area influencing factors on the career paths of female physicists with regard to the leaky pipeline or glass ceiling are examined at various levels.