Climbing the Ladder

This report updates a 1977 study (which explored the status of women in faculty, postdoctoral, and advisory posts) and examines any changes in the status of women faculty between 1977 and 1981. Drawing on more limited data, it also examines their situation in industry. Data for the report were obtained primarily from the 1981 Survey of Doctorate Recipients and 1980 Survey of Earned Doctorates conducted by the National Research Council (NRC). The report is organized into five chapters, beginning with an examination of the number of women in the science/engineering pipeline and recent trends in the proportion of college women planning careers as scientists. In chapter 2, the characteristics of new doctorate recipients are described. Chapter 3 presents data on patterns of postdoctoral appointments for recent Ph.D.s. The comparative status of men and women faculty, including their rank, tenure, and salary profiles, is discussed in chapter 4. Chapter 5 briefly examines the employment patterns of doctoral women in industry and whether the picture has changed since 1977. Copies of the questionnaire used in the two NRC surveys, a summary of the evidence related to the status of women scientists, and recommendations for improving their situation are included. (JN)