Seite 12 [12]
IZOLDA TAKÁCS: THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY
ineguality-generating gender stereotypes present even among the ranks of
scientists, and the factors which were beneficial or detrimental with regards
to these careers. I have also been looking to find those aspects of the detri¬
mental factors which can be traced back to gender discrimination. Furthermore,
I have sought to discover how the female DSc and/or academician members
ofthe MTA overcame the hindrances put in place by traditional role expecta¬
tions, and how they eventually managed to break through the ‘glass ceiling’,
and what all this meant in terms of compromises or difficulties. All of the
above helps to find out whether their life and career developments differ from
the norm in any way.
From a thematic perspective, adhering to the previously outlined hypoth¬
esis, and with regards to the above statements, the book aims to analyse two
distinct areas.
1. The theoretical framework, i.e. the particular social space determining
the hierarchical system of workplace apparati. Thus I have outlined the basic
notions and ideas used within this area by articulating the definitions circu¬
lating in the most current literature. Beside a brief contemplation on the
subject’s legal background, the theoretical part of the volume has been divid¬
ed into philosophical, sociological aspects. Further detailed are the scientific
professions tied closely to the topic, as well as the theoretical framework of
SSK (the sociology of scientific knowledge).
My aim has been to create a theoretical foundation to address the problem
at its roots. I have deemed it important to introduce the hidden reasons behind
the visible barriers, the manifesta of the male-female hierarchy, the sources
of the phenomenon, the origins of the theoretical basis.
2. Secondly, the research studies the apparatus of the workplace, i.e. what
kind of hierarchical social/institutional structure/s the women are integrated
into, when they step out of the context of family into a larger territory. It also
introduces the election system and structure of the MTA (how it has trans¬
formed since the gestation of the Academy, and how the elections have devel¬
oped) as well as taking special note of the typical women and social policies,
of state socialism. This lets us see how much tradition allows or hinders women
to enter the Academy, which in turn shows how many barriers have stood in
the way of the (scientific) careers of women, and what those are specifically.
Finally, the correlations between the theoretical and pragmatic parts are
highlighted with the assistance of semi-structured interviews recorded with
female scientists (academicians and DSc Doctors of the MTA).
The chapters thus present a comprehensive picture of the scientific careers
of women and the overall situation in Hungary. The aim of the research has
also been to pinpoint those particular spots where the career of a female sci¬
entist grinds to a halt, and what the reason/s for that is/are.
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