Structural gender imbalances persist in science media representation, study finds
Original framing: “New research shows men still outnumber women as experts in science news” — The Conversation - Global
Historically, women have been systematically excluded from scientific institutions and media platforms, a legacy that continues to shape current practices. The underrepresentation of women in science journalism is not a new phenomenon but a continuation of long-standing gendered hierarchies in knowledge production.
The underrepresentation of women in science journalism is a systemic issue rooted in historical exclusion, institutional gatekeeping, and cultural biases.
By integrating Indigenous and non-Western knowledge systems, supporting marginalized scientists, and implementing inclusive editorial practices, media organizations can begin to address these imbalances. Historical analysis reveals that this is not a new problem but a continuation of long-standing gendered hierarchies in science and media. Cross-cultural perspectives offer alternative models for inclusive science communication, while a trickster lens highlights the absurdity of a male-dominated science media landscape. Future modeling suggests that systemic change requires both policy interventions and cultural shifts in how scientific authority is defined and distributed.