I read the Journal with interest but find it a bit vocational. I would like to see more discussion about some of the broader aspects of science and, as a man, especially from the point of view of women.
In my own science, geology, I am interested to notice the different attitudes of men and women and also the continuing male dominance, not only in numbers, but yes can you believe it in this day and age, in the belittling of the contribution and potential contribution of women.
I notice men tend to be more interested in the big picture, the big arm wavers, which just seems a bore to many of my women colleagues (a diminishing number of late) whereas women seem more interested in what they can see and what is under their hands and feet. Women in higher organisational positions have very considerably decreased and women fill an increasing proportion of insecure and part-time positions. I am sure geology is not unique in this but it is all a very sad situation.
Dr J. M. Dickins
Turner, ACT
21 September 1997