Perceiving and Producing Merit

This article documents the experiences of women scientists in research institutions in India, and attempts to demonstrate that contrary to the claims made by the institutions in deciding who gets to do science, gender figures at various levels in shaping the career of a scientist. Using the narratives of women scientists, structured interviews and the data collected from research institutions, this article attempts to problematise the notion prevalent among scientists that talent for doing science is inherent in a person, and if it is there it will reveal itself irrespective of the external conditions. The article tries to argue that such a notion and the resultant practice leads to selecting a few as meritorious and deserving, who are further nurtured, while others are expected to prove themselves many times before opportunities are made available for them. Women rarely figure among the meritorious few. In order that women get equal opportunity to participate in the scientific endeavour, the structure and organisations of science institutions must be transparent, democratic in their approach, and rethink the narrow definition of ‘merit’ that is currently operative.