Feminism and Federally Funded Social Science: Notes from Inside

Abstract

In order for feminist social science research to influence the transformation of society toward more equitable gender arrangements, it must both be undertaken and be applied in the policy arena. For these to happen, feminist social scientists must be active players in the research policy and funding enterprise, particularly at the federal level. The discussion of how feminist social science has had an impact, and can have an even greater one, both on and through federally funded research is framed in two larger contexts: the broader federal science and technology (S&T) enterprise and the impact of feminism on society generally. A selective review of developments in both the representation of women in S&T and attention to issues of gender in the content of scientific research demonstrates that, although much progress has been made, much remains to be done. Some strategies for furthering the feminist project through the federal research enterprise are offered.