We Are Women Hear Us Roar Essay

“We Are Women Hear Us Roar: The Trials and Tribulations of Women in Science throughout History” Some historians believe that the history of women in science was one of linear progression. They feel that women’s opportunities in science in both Europe and America have become increasingly better as times have changed. Even though women have made advancements in the scientific world, there have been setbacks. These setbacks were more prevalent among women of color and lower socioeconomic status, but all categories of women suffered at one time or another in history. Although the general perception of early educational institutions and women involvement is one of female exclusion, this was not absolute. Women had limited access to some education early in history. During medieval times women had opportunities to join convents in order to obtain an education. This may have …show more content…
Many people believed that women could not handle higher education because it would taint the idea of “true womanhood.” Men believe that women should be domestic, pious, kind, and obedient. In Ronald Takaki’s article, “Aesculapius Was a White Man,” he describes a Dr. Holmes and his relationship with his wife. Takaki states, “The relationship between Dr. Holmes and his wife, Amelia, illustrates this “cult of true womanhood.” One of Mr. Holmes’s biographers describes Mrs. Holmes as the “kindest, gentlest, and tenderest of women””…” (Takaki, 204). This description of Holmes’s wife, embodies the expectations people had of women in history. When a woman did not want to conform to the norm (like women wanting to pursue learning science), such a women would be ostracized and looked down upon as unfit and not a true woman. Women have attempted to make strides in breaking the barriers that have barred them entering the scientific world. Women have been successful, however, obstacles have still caused