Sexual Harassment and Misconduct in Science Group Cultures
On Tuesday, February 27, 2018 a University of Illinois Professor of Anthropology, Kate Clancy, spoke at a Subcommittee on Research and Technology Hearing — A Review of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct in Science. She and others discussed the pervasiveness of sexual harassment and misconduct and offered possible solutions. The full hearing can be listened to at either of the following links:
And the transcript of her transcript may be read on her website:
I would like to specifically focus on groups in academia in which the hierarchy in an individual group is as follows: PI, senior scientists, postdocs, graduate students, undergraduate students. Often, sexual harassment and misconduct takes place within these groups and tend to be worse for those of lower ranking. Those of lower ranking do not have the same power, position, or protection of those with higher rank. This creates a culture or a climate that allows for sexual harassment and misconduct to occur.
Dr. Clancy makes note of a respect or an inclusion culture which may be a step in the right direction for these hierarchical systems and the current culture. This suggestion means open discussion and focus on shared values and goals as a group via workshops or other methods. The group decided values are then put into action and “value into action” training is used to promote positive action (rather than “don’t do these actions” training). These actions are then encouraged and able to shape the workplace.
Changing the cultures of individual research groups and of science in general will take work, but there is headway being made. This suggestion is just one potential solution to the current problematic environments of science. Many more exist and the right ones may be implemented across groups. For change to happen, for these implementations to be made, testimonies like this are vital and those in power need to listen and help promote change.
