Evolution of paleontology: Long-term gender trends in an earth-science discipline

Roy E. Plotnick¹*, Alycia L. Stigall², Ioana Stefanescu¹

1 Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
2 Dept. of Geological Sciences and Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies, Ohio University, 316 Clippinger Laboratories, Athens, Ohio 45701-2979, USA

The historical development of gender diversity in paleontology may be representative of similar changes across the geosciences. An analysis of the programs of the ten North American Paleontological Conventions held since 1969 shows a steady increase in the participation by women in the discipline. Notably, the proportion of male authorship on abstracts was stable while female authorship contribution increased. Much of the growth in female authorship is due to increased collaboration and recognition of student participation with junior authorship. These changes are just starting to be reflected at more senior levels; strategies need to be implemented to ensure that young female geoscientists are retained and developed.

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Manuscript received 12 May 2014; accepted 27 Aug. 2014

doi: 10.1130/GSATG219GW.1

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