Scientific Productivity, Sex, and Location in the Institution of Science

Although sex differences in scientists' careers are often explained in terms of hypothesized productivity differences, little is known about the extent or bases of such differences. Comparisons for a sample of chemists indicate that men outpublished women, but to a smaller extent than is commonly supposed. Regression analyses document sex differences in the determinants of productivity, with women's productivity more responsive than men's to prestigious postdoctoral fellowships, employment in ternure-track university position, and collegial recognition.