Gender and productivity of publications in ecology in Bolivia: An analysis of four decades
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25260/EA.25.35.2.1.2549Keywords:
gender inequity, gender gap, scientific productivityAbstract
Gender disparity in scientific research constitutes a persistent global challenge. Global studies documented disparities in researcher representation and a gender productivity gap, with males accounting for a greater proportion of the academic output. While this trend is evident globally, the Bolivian reality in this area remains underexplored. In this context, this study analyzed the relationship between gender and scientific productivity in ecology in Bolivia over the past 40 years. Based on the analysis of 833 articles published in three Bolivian journals, the results revealed lower productivity among female researchers compared to their male colleagues. Although this female underrepresentation persisted over time, the participation of women as authors experienced steady growth (from 28% in 1980 to 44% in the 2020s). The analysis of collaborations also showed that articles with a woman as first author had a higher proportion of female co-authors. Contrary to what other studies suggest, our analysis did not reveal significant differences in the number of citations received based on the gender of the first author. Understanding these gender gaps is crucial for identifying career obstacles for women, understanding their impact on the quality and diversity of research, and informing policies that promote equity in Bolivian science.
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