Rosalind Franklin and Scientific Authority
In this weeks readings, various authors spoke about how the culture of science determines who has the authority to both make and take credit for scientific achievements. More often than not, the culture disadvantages women. Female scientists are seen as outsiders in a male-driven environment, and because of this, are discouraged from pursuing science at all.
In light of these topics, we must remember the female scientists who are able to overcome the sexist nature of the science community, especially those who are not necessarily credited for their work.
A prominent example of a woman who did not receive due credit for her work is Rosalind Franklin. She first created the crystallographic picture of DNA which captured its double helix structure. The picture she took inspired James Watson and Francis Crick to win the Nobel Prize with their discovery of DNA structure. However, she was rarely mentioned or credited in conjunction with the discovery. She was not deemed as someone with scientific authority simply because of her social status within her culture. Only recently has her name come up in the scientific community: a discouraging sign for women who wanted to pursue science.
We can be hopeful, however, for the future. Even though it is overdue, Franklin’s current recognition shows us that scientists today are seeking to end the male dominated culture of science. Additionally, many popular initiatives in 2018 seek to increase the role of women in science. 500 Women Scientists is one such initiative. Lead by Molecular Biologist Maryam Zaringhalam, this group wants to redefine authority in science as coming from only straight white men. They specifically work to emphasize the voices of women, women of color, and LGBT women. Zaringhalam has these women advocating their stories everywhere, from classes to conferences, so that everyone is aware of their struggles. She believes that the conversation is changing for the better. And if she and other feminist advocates succeed, what happened to Rosalind Franklin will never happen to a female scientist again.
