October 24, 1990 · The Harvard Crimson

Classes Subject to Gender Inequality

Studies have shown that women participate less frequently than men in college classes, a trend observed at Harvard where men dominate discussions in sections. In 1982, Catherine G. Krupnick found men spoke more than women in all 24 Harvard sections studied, with men in male-dominated classes speaking 2.5 times longer than women. Research indicates that women often exhibit hesitations, soft vocal tones, and avoid eye contact, reflecting social conditioning rather than a lack of knowledge. Confident women are often criticized as over-aggressive, while less assertive women are overlooked. Additionally, comments from faculty and peers often make women feel devalued, and studies show men are called on more frequently and their comments taken more seriously.
Creator
Schwab, Susan
Publisher
The Harvard Crimson
Date
1990-10-24
Format
Digital
Local URL
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1990/10/24/classes-subject-to-gender-inequality-pibibve/
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Date Added July 16, 2024
Date Modifed January 7, 2025
Collection Harvard and Gender Discrimination