%0 Journal Article %A Ferreira, Maria M. %D 2003 %I Begell House %N 2 %P 18 %R 10.1615/JWomenMinorScienEng.v9.i2.10 %T GENDER DIFFERENCES IN GRADUATE STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE CULTURE OF SCIENCE %U https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/00551c876cc2f027,3d9caafe4b5772d9,22ec9fa16ae6b462.html %V 9 %X In this study, gender differences in graduate students’ perspectives on the culture of science were examined in two graduate departments (biology and chemistry) at a large research university. Data from a survey questionnaire from 170 students and interviews with 32 of them indicated that the culture of science as experienced by the participants of this study was characterized by competition, a narrow focus, and a belief in objectivity. These perspectives were particularly common among the female students, who also perceived a role conflict between a successful career in science and having a family. The study shows that although women have greater access to careers in science, the culture of the scientific enterprise continues to be based on the masculine ideals of 17th-century England. %8 2003-08-01