A Brief Analysis of the Contribution of Women to Soil Science

Abstract

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Soil science has traditionally been dominated by men, and women remain a minority in this field today. Despite soil science being more recent than other scientific disciplines, many women have made significant contributions to the field, although these are not generally recognized. Recent studies have shown a lack of gender balance and low levels of diversity and inclusion in soil science in several countries worldwide. Although partial and fragmentary, the information provided by the present study of the involvement of women in soil science research reinforces the idea that science should be looked at from a gender perspective in order to promote real equality between men and women. Science and soil science are both the result of historical and cultural events and social context. Science is not neutral: it is social and gendered and always will be, but we can try to make it more inclusive.

Keywords

• reflections on gender perspective
• scientific knowledge
• women soil scientists worlwide
• Russian and Soviet female scientists
• foreign female soil scientists