Patrifocality and the entry of women into science

The author explores some of the factors that have contributed to the choice of science as a specialization by a group of academic women scientists at the University of Madras in South India. She looks at two aspect of women's entry into science: the encouragement they received to pursue education to the highest level, and the circumstances that led to their pursuit of science as a specialization. Research in India has shown that within the context of a patrifocal family structure characteristic of many parts of the society, educational decisions are not made by individuals but by families. Moreover, they are different for sons and daughters, most often in favor of the former. This study illustrates how such a patrifocal family structure and ideology affect decisions regarding women's entry into education in both ways: negatively, by creating obstacles to their progress, but also under special circumstances very positively... The article also points to an interesting challenge to patrifocality in the form of mentors and rolemodels in schools and in work-place who are able to help women focus their interest in science, and in some cases, even influence family decisions in favor of girls and women. (DIPF/Abstract übernommen)