Structural inequities in academic authorship perpetuate gender disparities in research recognition
Original framing: “Who gets credit for research? How the hidden rules of academic authorship can leave women at a disadvantage” — The Conversation - Global
Studies in science and technology have shown that women are less likely to be listed as first or last authors, which correlates with lower citation rates and career advancement. These findings are supported by data from multiple disciplines and institutions, highlighting the systemic nature of the issue.
The systemic underrepresentation of women in academic authorship is not merely a matter of individual bias but is deeply rooted in institutional norms, power dynamics, and publishing structures.
By integrating Indigenous and non-Western models of collective knowledge production, enforcing transparent authorship policies, and promoting institutional accountability, academia can begin to dismantle these entrenched inequities. Historical patterns of exclusion and the neoliberal pressures on academic productivity further compound the issue, making it essential to adopt cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approaches to reform. Only through a holistic transformation of academic systems can we ensure that credit is given where it is due, fostering a more just and inclusive scholarly environment.