Patrifocal Concerns in the Lives of Women in Academic Science: Continuity of Tradition and Emerging Challenges

This paper examines the social milieu of women academic scientists, parental influence in decision making in regard to the career of their daughters, parents' expectations, importance of marriage and the criteria involved therein. The support of parents and spouse are vital for the success of women scientists. Nevertheless, the 'dual burden' has an impact on professional work, and the consequent redefinition of 'success' is clearly a product of patrifocal social structures and ideology.