1. Bimbo or boffin? Women in science: an analysis of
media representations and how female scientists
negotiate cultural contradictions
Mwenya Chimba and Jenny Kitzinger
A presentation by
Alex Phillips

2. Background
• Gendered representations of scientists in UK media: Asymmetrical portrayal
of Males & Females working in Science, Engineering &Technology (SET)
• Emphasis onWomen'sAppearance and Exceptional Status
• Women used to ‘sex up’ popularity
• Focus on 86 scientists how women experience media and contradictions
around their role
• Highlights challenges and promote positive image

3. Introduction
• Girls and women are under-represented in science, engineering and
technology (SET).They are less likely than boys/men to opt to study SET at
school and university (Rees, 2001;Roberts, 2002)
• Women make up 39.5% of “science professionals,” 14.6% of “ICT
professionals” and only 5.4% of “engineering professionals” (UKRC, 2008).
• The media help to define people’s sense of taken-for-granted normality
(Eldridge et al., 1997)
• Females marginalised
• Women require ‘masculine’ attributes
• Focus on marriage and motherhood

4. Method
• Analysis of press coverage and interviews with scientists on media
• Pursued other stakeholders
• 12 National Newspaper analysis of SET coverage
• 7903 articles on SET with 51 profiles on leading scientists
• Identified 2 high profile female UK scientists
• 86 female scientists participated via questionnaires and interviews
• Published reports allowing for debate from stakeholders

5. Findings from analysis of newspaper profiles
• Only 16% female scientists profiled in UK, with even fewer at higher
positions
• Half ofWomen profiles referred to appearance compared to 21% Male
• “She is impressive, an immaculately groomed woman of 70, who could
easily pass for 15 years younger” (Parry,TheTimes, 18 February 2006)
• Such descriptions may be trying to break down stereotypes, but draw
attention away from their profession
• ‘MediaWhore’ Risky trying to promote profession, rather seen as self
promotion
• Sexualised descriptions

6. A view from Scientists in the public eye
• Some happy with coverage whereas others concerned
• Concerns:
• Focus on being female- : “female scientist says x, y and z … [but] why should the fact
that I am a female make any difference whatsoever?”
• Personal life- a journalist enquired whether she had a boyfriend
• Disproportionate focus on sexuality and femininity- sexualized her interaction with the
school pupils with whom she had worked (getting teenagers “all steamed up over
science”)

7. The significance of appearance for women at
work
• Historically stereotyped as unattractive but now often framed as ultra-
feminine
• Mixed feelings about appearance:
• “terribly business-like almost as if to succeed you have to play by the men’s rules.”
• The media often frame women scientists as ultra-feminine
• Appearance: ultra elegant, masculine, avoid bright colours & where
fluorescent jacket to blend in

8. Conclusion
• Male Scientists the norm whilst women exceptional
• Scarcity ofWomen in the Media
• Women welcome on public stage in certain capacities
• Focus often on appearance
• CertainTypes ofWomen receive attention, often implying contradictions
between ‘airheads’ and ‘eggheads ‘,‘boffins’ and ‘bimbos’

9. Thanks for listening